by Ben Graham, editor-in-chief
“Lazy.”
“Apathetic.”
“Careless.”
Critics of the American voting population, which has often been seen as indolent, are quick to chastise the nation’s voters for taking for granted their right to participate in government. This criticism is not without justification. According to a Pew Research study, the U.S. ranks 31st out of 35 developed countries in voter turnout.
With the 2016 Presidential Election fast approaching, this ranking may drop even further, given the lackluster nature of the main-party candidates. Donald Trump, the nominee from the Republican Party, has brewed controversy with his misogynistic and outright racist remarks. The Benghazi debacle has earned Hillary Clinton, the nominee from the Democratic Party, both an investigation from the FBI and a corrupt reputation. Many also think of voting for either Jill Stein or Gary Johnson, both third-party candidates, as throwing away their vote.
“So should I even vote at all?” asks the average voter.
Absolutely.
It is the civic duty of an American to go to the polls on election day. As a democracy, all citizens of the United States are expected to voice their opinion on who should hold elective office. Without the complete general population’s say in the matter, we lose this prestigious form of government. We are bound to select a leader who will not reflect the needs of the majority with only a portion of the population speaking their mind.
Furthermore, every American should take advantage of this rare right. In countries around the world, people are often not allowed the chance to vote or voice their political opinion. By sitting at home and watching television rather than voting, you are squandering the right that the Founding Fathers fought so hard to achieve for the nation’s public.
Many opponents of voting propagate the same age-old remark: “What difference will one vote make?” But what if everyone had this attitude? How can we expect to elect the leader that will best serve the nation if not everyone shows up? Instead of opting out and entrusting others with the process, the American public needs to take action and rise to the occasion.
Come November 8th, be ready America.