WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE?

The ability to vote allows citizens to say their opinion and choice on a variety of issues. In the American political system, voting allows registered citizens to cast their choice for the political leader that they believe can accurately make the choices that will better the country. However, there are thousands upon thousands of individuals who have the ability to vote, and yet do not. Discussed below are the key reasons why voting is important. America is a democracy “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Therefore, it is important that all of us vote on Nov. 6. Right now in the country one party controls both the executive and legislative branches of government. The result is that mainly ideas acceptable to one party are most likely to be enacted. America is better off with dialogue and compromise. Voting is the cornerstone of a democracy but sadly far too few people vote. There remains wide gaps between those who do vote which undermines representative democracy. For the past three decades voters have been disproportionately of higher income, older or more partisan in their interests. Parallel to participation gaps are widening gaps in wealth, reduced opportunity for youth and frustration with the polarization in politics. How would our world be different if everyone participated? Much of this gap is due to communities left uninformed about elections. There are large gaps in who gets contacted in an election campaign. Millions of Americans, especially those served by the nonprofit sector, report not being reached by traditional campaign tactics like a phone bank.