The mathematics defining the issue surrounding American participation on election days across the land is easy to understand.
The equation appears like this: 50% – 50% = 25 percent.
That’s because about 50 percent of U.S. citizens register to vote, and then only about 50 percent of registered voters vote. And that’s ridiculous for a plethora of reasons.
But instead of concentrating on why there is such a sad lack of participation, especially for midterm cycles like we’re in now, let’s take a look at WHY VOTING SHOULD BE important to each of us every single time we are given the opportunity to live in a representative democracy.
TOP 10 REASONS TO CAST YOUR VOTES:
10. Not only is voting an American right but heading to the polls also is one way to show our respect to the men and women who fought to preserve the freedoms we enjoy so much in America that we take it for granted on a minute-by-minute basis every single day of our respective lives.
9. May sound trivial, but it is true – your vote for a candidate or an incumbent does cancel a vote for their opposition … and your vote places your person back on level ground. Without your vote, the person you do not want elected wins.
8. Voting allows you to be a part of what you believe to be good, whether the individual is elected or not or if the issue is approved or defeated.
7. You have lived a lot of life to this point, and whether you are a regular voter, you know what/who would be best for you, your family, and for your career. Therefore, voting allows you to lend your experience to results that should fit you the best.
6. Voting costs money, and it’s our money. So … make the most of your tax dollars and exercise your right to vote.
5. Engaging with all levels of government not only allows you to educate before you vote, but also it allows you to become aware of special programs and benefits offered by the government. For example, have you heard of the Homeowner Repair Assistance Program in the City of Wheeling? According to the City’s website, the program “provides a one-time financial grant of up to $5,000 to assist with exterior home repairs and/or weatherization to qualified residents.”
4. Has a politician broken a promise to you? Proved to be a disappointment? Guess how you can get your revenge?
3. Many parents take their children to the polls with them, and some even allow their kids to cast their votes. That way, when a child becomes an adult on their 18th birthday, they will understand the importance of what the United States Constitution guarantees.
2. How are the roads where you live? Guess who can make them smoother?
1. Elections have consequences, so if you don’t vote, you can’t bitch.
