Go Vote! Here’s Why It’s Crucial and How You Can Register

By Katie

As you all know, the Presidential Election is coming up (that’s November 6th, just in case you forgot). If you didn’t get the chance to vote in the last election, it’s really a huge deal that you do so this time around. Think about it: the future leaders of this country will be decided by citizens like you and me. If you’re at all affected by our government’s public policy (and whether you like it or not, you are), this is the perfect opportunity to make your opinion on our government count.

Why should I register to vote?

Easy. By voting you not only increase the chance of your candidate being elected and his policies being enacted, you also show support for the particular person/issue. Many voters think that their vote doesn’t count or doesn’t make a difference. While one vote is small in the grand scheme of things, each vote is important. Especially in states with unsure voter behavior, those small numbers can completely change the outcome of an election. Do you guys remember the hanging chad crisis of 2000?

Politics don’t really affect me. Why should I care about the elections?

You may be surprised that “hot” topic election issues often take the greatest toll on or give the greatest benefit to the youth. So as an 18 – 20-something voter, you will directly be impacted by the current issues such as employment and education. Do you want to leave older voters to decide on the policies that will directly affect you?

I don’t like the way our government operates, and at this point I’m just apathetic.

If you are dissatisfied with government policies and don’t vote, you are giving up one of the most powerful tools you have to change the political landscape. So if X candidate is elected, and the programs enacted thereafter make you cringe, can you really complain if you didn’t vote in the first place? Of course you can, but voting is the action you can take instead.

Remember, not everyone has this opportunity.

There are countries of the world where citizens cannot vote, where elections are unjustly fixed and where certain groups, such as women, are not entitled to a vote on their government’s future. By casting your votes, you inform our government’s leaders that you care about what occurs in this country and value your voice.

How do I vote when I’m in college?

Since you may only vote in one state, you can register to vote in your “new” state where you attend college, or you can register and fill out the forms to vote through an absentee ballot, which allows you to cast a vote with your home state. On your college campus, there are likely several student-activities groups that may set up booths where you can register to vote, and may even host a voting site for students to go to on election day. If you wish to vote in a state different from where you attend college, you’ll need to send for an absentee ballot (making sure you allow enough time for it to arrive by mail).

This website will take you through all the necessary steps to register as well as receive your absentee ballot if you are away from home during the election. You can fill in the address for them to send your voting forms to, and you can register with a certain political party or register unaffiliated. Just send the forms back with the stamp they include for you and you’re golden. They can even send you alerts to remind you of the election deadlines! Literally the easiest thing ever.

I hope you will all get registered and participate in the elections coming up in less than a month! Happy election season!

Share this article, pass it along to your friends, talk to them about why it’s crucial and let’s bring out the vote!