OPINION: Your vote matters

In our day-to-day lives politics surround our world and as citizens, we have the right to vote. Being 18 years old, many are eligible to make that decision whether to vote or not. Sometimes voting can be confusing because people are not only voting for the next president. By registering to vote many can vote for other elections too. By voting, you can change lives and make a difference.  

Voting is one of the most important things we can do. We should not take voting for granted because to this day, people in other countries do not get the right to vote. For example, Chinese citizens cannot vote, whereas the United Kingdom citizens do have the right to vote, but it is a monarchy. U.S. citizens should be happy to use that right. While voting may not always feel important and many may feel like their voice doesn't matter, it's still essential that you vote because if everyone feels the same way and no one votes, the system falls apart. Voting can really make a difference in our future.  

Local elections impact citizens just as much. Voting gives us the right to voice our political opinions. Our voices and opinions can definitely inspire others and make changes for the better. When people don't like how things are in our community and country, voting for people we believe in can make a difference and we hold the power to change things. Better our society and government for everyone, a little vote can matter and mean so much. For example, on Aug. 2, 2022, Kansans voted to protect abortion rights and in Missouri about two years ago citizens legalized marijuana.  

Participating in small elections is just as important as country-wide elections. By even getting into school or college elections at a young age many can learn how to be a better citizen and participate in bigger elections in the future. Each person is responsible for change. There are so many issues around the world surrounding racial justice, abortion, LGBTQ+, gun laws/safety, inequality and more. Our democracy relies on citizens to do their part by voicing their opinion, and they should do this by voting.  

In our country’s 248 years, amendments have been adopted to protect voting rights. The 15th Amendment, for instance, involves racial equality. According to the National Archives, “the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution grants African American men the right to vote by stating that the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”” Everyone is equal and is able to have a right to vote in some countries. In another instance, the 19th Amendment gave the right for women to vote, which was ratified on Aug. 18, 1920. This amendment came after years of women’s suffrage. 

Let's make a difference and vote. Every vote counts. Every vote matters. You have a voice; I have a voice. Our voice matters.