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The difference one vote can make...
Many people sit at home on Election Day because they feel their vote will never make a difference. There is a lot of historical evidence to the contrary. In fact, the world would be very different than we know it if just one vote wasn't cast. For example in 1776, America's primary language would have been German if it wasn't for the one vote majority in favor of English.
Voting gives us the opportunity to give a voice to our opinions and beliefs and make a difference in society. Everyday hundreds of decisions are being made by those elected to public office. When we decide not to vote out of disinterest we're actually saying we don't care about the laws that govern our daily existence. True, the topics being debated are usually abortion, taxes, gun control, and health care...big issues with a lot of controversy. However, if those topics don't spark you to become active in our democracy think of education bills, transportation, or the millions of dollars spent on research.
If voting still seems impersonal, think of the following historical fact. In 1876, with the Presidential election thrown into the House, Rutherford B. Hayes won by a single vote, cast by an Indiana Congressman who himself had been elected by a one vote margin. That same year, one vote's difference brought Texas into the Union. So in effect, one Indianan farmer in the 1800's was responsible for Texas becoming a state! What would have happened if he had stayed home to plow a few more rows?
Still, large percentages of American citizens eligible to vote either don't vote or haven't even registered. In 1980, about 22% of the eligible voters cast ballots for Jimmy Carter; about 27% voted for Ronald Reagan; while approximately 46% of those eligible didn't vote at all. The Florida voting fiasco this past election was a recent example of how just a few votes can change our country's future. The country was on hold while votes were tabulated in just a few counties.
Instead of young adults taking responsibility for our country and future, voter turnout between the ages of 18-24 has decreased from 50%-32% since the 70's. (The Center for Voting and Democracy study) While the younger generation is staying silent, older members of society are more apt to contact officials and make their opinions known increased their voice at the voting booth since 1972.
Having the freedom to vote and have a say in our country's government is one of the advantages to living in a democracy. A democracy, as most of us learned in school, is a government by the people and for the people. A country where we can speak out on how we want things run. If we don't take our country's future in hand, who will? We are the future of our country and now is the time to take a stand for what we want it to become.
About the Author
Tenille is currently a freelance writer and editor. She is a former professional ballet dancer and actress.