5 Reasons Why You Should VOTE

The general election for the next President of the United States is weeks away, y’all!

On November 3rd, millions of Americans will gather to the polls to exercise their right to vote. It’s truly hard to believe that we are so close to election day. And this will be the first general election where I’ll get to vote in person. The past two elections I’ve had to vote by absentee ballot because of college and grad school. So I’m extra excited to get my “I Voted” sticker and use my voice in-person. But whether you are early voting, absentee voting, or voting in-person, let it be known that your vote counts.

I used to be that girl who thought voting was overrated and useless.
I used to be that girl who thought voting would never create change.
I used to be that girl that didn’t believe my voice could ever be heard.

But then I met my husband. Romantic right, but truthfully he opened up my eyes to the importance of voting. Not only is it a way to make your voice be heard, it also allows you to advocate for your community.

Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Vote:

1. Voting is a Free Way to Create Change

If you want to create change, you can’t expect it to happen overnight. Change starts with YOU. Change starts when you exercise your American right to vote. YOU have the power to create change. And not only is voting free, it’s also easy. All it requires is some thoughtful research and a voter registration card, and you’re in business. You don’t have to have any credentials or have graduated Summa Cum Laude, you just have to be you. And did I mention it’s FREE?!?

2. Voting Gives You a Voice

Everyone has a voice, but using it is a different story. If you want to sit back and let other people make decisions on your behalf, then that’s fine. But if you complain about the outcome of an election you didn’t vote in, I will share no sympathy for you. You have a voice and a ballot, use it. If you have opinions, share them. But don’t depend on others to vote for you. That’s your job, so do it!

3. Voting has Consequences

When you vote, you’re giving a voice to your community. And your vote has consequences on that community. Your vote can determine who is in office, what policies will be championed, how expenses can be allocated, and so much more. So thoughtfully consider who you believe would carry your community into the next season. Each elected official makes daily decisions that affect your community, law enforcement, crime prevention, traffic patterns, and where to build schools, parks, and recreational places. So choose wisely, because your ballot has consequences.

4. Voting Allows For More Equitable Allocation of Funds and Resources

Federal funding supports education, youth programs, healthcare, veterans, new jobs, and the environment. But if people in your region aren’t voting, it makes it more challenging for lawmakers and representatives to fight for funding in your area. For your region to grow and obtain state and federal funding, you need to vote.

5. Voting Implores You to Be More Community-Minded

We don’t live alone, we live in community with one another. And voting implores us to see the bigger picture. This year has been challenging in more ways than one, but the notion of community hasn’t dissipated. If anything, we’ve grown in our understanding of how to be a better neighbor. We have to think outside our little bubble, and think about what’s in the best interest of my community. Voting isn’t just about me being heard. It’s also about giving a voice to my neighborhood, my community, my state, and my country as a whole.

And if you’re wondering what to wear on election day, here’s a handful of appropriate options!

Madewell “Vote” || Target “Voting For the Future” || Gap “VOTE”
Alice & Wonder VOTE VOTE VOTE || Draper James “VOTE Y’all” || Levi VOTE
UO “Thank You For Voting” || Old Navy “VOTE” || Clare V. “When We All Vote”