In the midst of our primary elections, I have been trying to educate myself more about politics and the way our country functions, especially since I will be able to vote in the general election this year. I am really excited about finally having an influence on who is responsible with making important decisions for the country; I have always had very strong political opinions and was forced to only sit back and depend on others to decide the future for me. Although I am very set on where I stand politically, I still think it’s important to know other things like how laws are determined and how the government is set up, so I am really excited to take Gov next year. Educating myself about the way the country I live in works is very important to me since it is what shapes the future of those around me and myself.
Most people have a good idea about their own beliefs, but I know that there are some that try to stay away from politics to maybe avoid conflict or just as a result of general indifference. My aunt is exactly this way, and she herself has admitted that she can’t remember the last time she voted in an election. Personally, I don’t understand how you would choose to be this way. If you are given the chance to influence who has authority in a country of millions of people whose quality of life depends on the decision, why wouldn’t you take it? So many people don’t vote because they feel that they won’t make a difference, but that mindset, collected by so many people, is what creates a dangerous silence where we allow others to speak for us. Speaking our voice is one of the greatest gifts we have as humans, and letting it go unheard is one of the biggest tragedies we can allow.
Even if a certain candidate is elected as opposed to another one does not alter our everyday lifestyles, it can become a matter of life or death for many in our country. If we are in a place where we are financially stable, healthy, and safe, it should become our responsibility to consider the lives of those who don’t have the same luxury and depend on others as well as themselves to choose a future that allows them a better life. Above all, people should recognize that we share this country with millions of other lives that aren’t our own. Once our cries go unsaid, we cannot move forward.
Do you agree that everybody should make an effort to vote? Why or why not?
I agree Mary Jo! I think its important that we express our voices and take advantage of this opportunity. We should all say something that could change and move our country forward because if we remain silent "our cries go unsaid, and we cannot move forward". Our words and the choices we make can impact many people. I will be allowed to vote as of next year, and I am hoping to vote for the next presidential election.
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