Trump or Hilary? The lesser of two evils right? Well some people think wrong. Actually some people will even go as far as to not vote for this election at all. That is the saddest option of all.

Voting is one of the many privileges that our citizens take for granted. If you are of the age to vote you should be using your right. You may shake your head and say ‘nah, not my thing’ or ‘who cares?’ or maybe even ‘I don’t like any of the candidates.’ If this is you then think again, please.

In 1776 the founding fathers wrote a Declaration of Independence. They fought for our current freedom and rights. Only white men could vote from the time the Declaration was made until 1920 when the 19^th amendment was ratified. This amendment drastically changed American society. Women fought for YEARS to earn their right to vote, to earn their right to have a voice. They rejoiced, their voices began to matter, and they were able to have a say in how the country was being run. In the 1950’s-60’s, African- Americans fought for their rights in society. Despite already having fought decades beforehand, they still had it rough. But they marched their way into society demanding their basic human rights as citizens, to be treated equally, and to voice their opinions as to how the country was run. Who wants to live in a country where the President does nothing for your people?

As a female voter, who is going to be of age to vote in this election, why would I throw away the work of So many who have preceded me? I did nothing to earn my right to vote, others fought for me. Why would I disown the women, like Alice Paul, who were thrown in prison, force fed because they refused to eat as protest, and ridiculed? As a society today, we abuse our rights- especially when it comes to voting. I don’t like either candidate for this election, but it is my right and duty to this country to share my opinion, to provide a voice.

When we vote, we decide our future. Not caring is not going to help you. Whoever wins will be with us and leading us for the next four to eight years. They can and will change the way our country handles things and what we, as a country, will do as a worldwide power.

As a responsible voter, you need to learn about the candidates. Read through their websites and their plans for the future. Consider what they say and believe. Then make an informed decision when Election Day rolls around.

Less than 60% of all eligible voters in America voted in the 2012 election-it was 57.5% of the eligible population that voted. In all of America, only 146,311,000 people were registered to vote. From that number, 126, 144,000 actually voted. American citizens take for granted the rights that we have. Not everyone in the world has a say in their country’s leadership. So why does our country have about 60% of its eligible population voting when 100% should be? We are a lucky nation to have this right. Again, please take the time to learn about some of the problems we face and voice your vote when the time comes around in November. Will you be able to accept the election results without making your voice heard?