Why Should People Vote?
In the United States, we are fortunate enough to be able to participate in free and fair elections. Regardless, many Americans do not take part in the state and national elections that occur every 2 years. Only about 50 percent of Americans usually feel compelled to go to the voting booth for even a presidential election. Here are a few things to think about before you ignore the next election.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
Not all American voters have always been allowed to participate in elections. Because of the institution of slavery, African-American males were not given the right to vote until 5 years after the conclusion of the Civil War. The 15th Amendment gave African-Americans the right to vote in 1870. Women, however, didn't receive the right to vote in the United States until 1920 (the 19th Amendment). There are still some states that do not allow felons to vote.
Types
-
A citizen of the United States must first register in order to vote in a state or national election. Each state has its own registration deadline. Once you are registered, you will receive a voter registration card that will have your polling place listed on it. On Election Day, travel to your polling place. Once there, you will find instructions on how you will vote. States use different methods for voting, such as punch-ticket and computer ballot.
You can also mail in an absentee ballot if you are going to be away from your polling place on Election Day. Consult the United States Election Assistance Commission (see Resources below) for more information in your state.
-
Significance
-
Simply put, voting is how you help determine who will run the government of your country. While the presidential election receives most of the national media coverage, there will be numerous other Congressional seats and issues on your ballot every 2 years. Voting may lead to a change in the state constitution or which political party is in power. Voting in every election is how one person makes his voice heard to those people in charge.
Warning
-
Don't let anybody tell you that one vote doesn't matter. The 2000 presidential election disproved that theory, as the election was decided by fewer than 600 votes in the state of Florida. Many local and state elections have been decided by even fewer overall votes.
Many people worry about their votes not being counted. If you think something is fishy, either with your registration or local polling place, contact the election board in your district and your state.
Expert Insight
-
Educate yourself on the candidates and the issues before you vote. Most people will know about the candidates in a presidential election. It's just as important to be schooled on those running for Senate and House seats. Read local newspapers to learn more about local elections, such as a mayoral race, as well as special issues that may be on the ballot during the upcoming election. Voting strictly on party lines without knowing anything about the candidates or issues is foolish.
-
