Originally Posted: 5/28/12 and in the May 30, 2012 Edition of the Marlin Chronicle
"Why should I vote? It’s not like it really counts anyway.”
I have heard things like
this more than any Political Science major wants to hear it. The apathy of our
generation towards the political system has become almost our definition. I
know that I am one of the only people at my alma mater that voted in state
elections as well as the presidential elections. People just do not believe
that they have a voice in the government. From the beginning of our academic
careers we have learned about the electoral process and how important it is,
somewhere along the way most people are convinced their opinions do not matter.
One of the most frequent arguments I hear is that the existence of the
Electoral College causes the popular vote to have no real power. I hear that
people think all politicians are liars and that no matter their vote nothing
will change. To tell the truth I have heard all the excuses that can be used
and some that make no sense whatsoever.
The truth is that the youth
vote is the most important one out there. Let's admit it people. WE are the future of this country.
Eventually, WE are going to have
to take that responsibility and run with it. If our generation does not start
going out and voting en masse as we should then we cannot complain about the
issues we have to deal with later on when we do have to take the lead in
government and the running of this country. Our generation needs to start
taking responsibility and begin voting so that they actually have a say in what
is happening in our country again. We may not all agree on how the country
should be run, but we cannot say anything if we are not attempting to do
anything constructive with what power we have in this system. We have power
regardless of whether my peers want to believe it or not.
The arguments I hear
against voting are abysmally inadequate if you ask me. The belief that the
Electoral College does not have to match the popular though somewhat true is
still misguided. The Electoral College has to vote on the percentage that their
state votes and the number of votes per state is the amount of congressional
representatives each state is allocated (Senate + House Reps). The only way the
popular vote may come out one way, the electoral vote may come out another, in
most cases, is when there is a very close race. This was seen in the 2000
election between Al Gore and George W. Bush. This came when many people in my
generation were right around 10 years old and it was one of the first defining
moments in out political awareness. Obviously, it left a mark because so many
of us think that the popular vote means nothing in any race.
The next argument is just
bunk to me. I have heard the phrase "All politicians are liars" more
times than most people will ever vote in their life times. It is hard for me to
believe that every politician in Washington is crooked. It is just statistically
impossible. Yes, many politicians make promises they think they can keep during
the election process, but many of them do not necessarily know the entire
situation that they are getting into or there may be some situations that occur
that derail their ability to follow through on the promises. This does not make
politicians liars. It makes them practical and logically going after the more
important and immediate problems put forth for them once they are in office
rather than forcing through so trivial campaign promise they made. This can be
seen in the most recent rants and ravings about Obama and how he has not come
through on many of his promises. Of course, there has been an economic crisis,
a couple wars, and several natural disasters, but how many people care about
those issues.
I hear the words “I hate
politics” at least once a week. But do you hate politics or that it forces
you to make decisions and discuss things with people who may not agree with
you? People have developed such a fear of offending people or being offended
that they do not want to debate even when necessary. The typical Political
Science major, of course, does not understand this sentiment and will often get
fussed at for inciting arguments when all they are doing is discussing their
beliefs and wanting to learn about someone else’s beliefs. The Youth of this
country need to get their act together and stop running and hiding from what
really matters. We cannot just keep ignoring that our country is in crisis and
eventually it will be our job to fix it.
Needless to
say, I can only hope that my generation begins to head to the polls in full
force in the future and take up the reins of our own future and country. As I
have said many times, if you do not vote, you cannot complain because you did
nothing to try and get your voice across or to support your beliefs. Also, do
not just vote in Presidential elections, vote in state elections and local
elections so that you can be represented at all levels of the government. The
federal government is not the only government legislating and affecting your
life. A good time to start is this November. Don’t just vote for President,
vote for your Senators and Representatives. They affect you more directly
anyway. Take hold of your future and wield your power as an American Citizen.
Vote, rally, campaign. Show that we have a voice and that we are not the
apathetic, uninformed kids the world thinks we are. Be the Change. Be the Leaders. Take Responsibility. Show them
we are so much more than they think.
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