Most people, during their lifetime, will wonder, “How can I make a difference?”
It is a very common question we ask ourselves because as humans we want to leave a mark. We want to be able to look back and think that we had a genuine influence in our own life, and the lives of others.
The scary thing is that one of the easiest and best ways to make that difference is it vote, and yet so many of us still choose not to.
It’s simple enough. Stay informed, do a bit of research and then cast your vote. Make your voice heard, and make it count!
The problem is, people don’t do it. For some reason people don’t put much stalk in elections. They either don’t care about their governing body or they feel that their one vote is minuscule in the scheme of things.
But that’s simply not true. Your vote does count.
Countries everywhere are trying to figure out ways to increase their voter turnouts, but who knows what the best plan is. Whether it’s compulsory voting systems like Australia, who fine those who don’t vote, or giving incentives for voting, I really don’t know.
I think the heart of the problem is people do not understand their governmental systems and how voting works.
We need to reach out and inform people what goes into the voting process and why they should take part in. And while we must do so for all ages, I think we need to focus on the young so that by the time they are of voting age they’re excited to vote!
Both of my parents were active and well informed on political issues and would discuss elections for months in advance. They made a point of getting me involved in dinner table discussions about the issues and wanted me to understand what was going on around me. It was for this reason I was both proud and excited to vote when I turned 18, and why I continue to do so to this day.
I was raised to believe that what I thought mattered, and that the way for me to make those thoughts count was to stand up, make my voice heard, and vote.
We need to leave this same lasting impression on the youth of our nation so that they too feel they have something to say that’s worth saying and that they need to make those voices count.
Amanda,
I think you bring up a very valid point. It’s surprising that after many years of American history our generation to a certain degree doesn’t see the point in voting. I agree that in order to increase voting we should get children in elementary schools excited about voting through simulating elections and truly show them how the process works. If they are taught at a young age how important and fun voting can be, they could potentially carry that through to their adult lives.
Great post!
Sepeedeh
Amanda,
I think you’re right on the money, however, people won’t change overnight.
“I think the heart of the problem is people do not understand their governmental systems and how voting works.”
This is exactly the problem, but no matter how many resources there are people simply do not wish to devote their time to learning about governmental systems. I do think it’s about the way we grow up in America. If politics and governmental issues were bigger parts of the curriculum in elementary through high school then perhaps we’d have generations that are more passionate to create change and vote.
Hi Amanda,
I really liked the compulsory voting example in your post. It provides a large turnout that may reflect the situation. Otherwise, the politicians are elected but do not present the majority of the society. I also liked your personal example and experience in elections. It’s interesting that voting can be one of the family traditions – this is also a great point.
Armen