By Michael Ferguson
We are have been told that “this is the most important election of our lifetime." Yet, so few Americans actually vote. In 2008, a little more than 60% of Americans voted, which was the highest in years, but still quite dismal. In 2010, turnout fell to just 41%. This year turnout is not expected to pass the 2008 level.
So that means close to 40% of Americans will not vote on November 6th. They will not voice their opinion for who they want to lead their country, not to mention the various state and local leaders they can elect this year.
Often times so many people say “well I can’t have an impact” or “my vote won’t make a difference." However, your vote does matter and it can make a difference.
Many may not realize it, but government and therefore elections play such a crucial role in your life. The stop sign at the end of your street, the taxes that you pay, the tuition that you are charged, the amount of money that you earn at your job, in fact the very job you have, are all affected by politics.
And on a more national level, with unemployment hovering around 8%, high gas prices, an enormous deficit, rising health care costs, and an uproar in the Middle East, there are certainly several issues going on in which you cannot say that your vote does not matter.
Think about how you want these issues addressed and what path you believe America should take. Then look at the candidates, make your decision, and express that by voting because this is your country! This is your future! Go out on November 6th and show that you care!
