By Megan Jones, Advertising Manager
The 2016 Presidential Election is something that simply cannot be ignored. Whether you like to voice your opinion on which candidate fits your beliefs, or keep to yourself about it, you have to admit that this election is something to talk about.
Young voters make up 20 percent of the population, which means we have a pretty loud voice to be heard. Unfortunately, on both party sides, young voters are notoriously hard to get to the polls. This year a lot of the key issues in each platform are directly related to students and younger voters. This makes our vote an essential for our future.
This election has been filled with highs and lows, but most of all: drama. This is a reality show of an election we are watching unfold in front of our eyes, and that drama can cast a shadow on what is actually important.
With the resources young people have, there is no excuse to not educate yourself on the candidates and their positions in politics and vote accordingly. As the younger generation, we have a chance to be the change we want to see. Our vote does matter, and if enough of us vote, we can sway the election.
Young voters are known to make excuses or be unreliable when it actually comes down to the first Tuesday of November every four years. Like I said before, there’s no excuse to not vote. Some claim they “don’t have enough time” or that they’re “too busy.”
Here’s a fun fact: going to the polls actually takes less time than watching your favorite Netflix series, waiting in line at Chik-fil-A, finding a close parking spot on campus, updating your phone, and even waiting for Donald Trump’s Twitter page to load. No excuses!
We have been told all our lives that the right to vote is an important duty as an American citizen. In other countries like Syria or Cuba, the people’s voice isn’t heard. If we sit back and watch this election pass us by instead of taking advantage of our right, our needs won’t be addressed. Almost 40 percent of Americans don’t exercise their right to vote, but they exercise their right to complain when things don’t turn out how they want.
If you do not know where to vote at, follow this link to find out and go there tomorrow. Don’t be a part of that 40 percent!
