Teens: Step up, cast a vote

Sitting at home, scrolling through Twitter. “How could you vote for such a criminal?” “How could you vote for such a woman hater?” “American politics are a joke!” Just one thing missing— an “I voted!” sticker.

Too many people believe one person’s vote doesn’t make a difference, so they skip the polls and hope for the best.

Millennial voters are now roughly equal to baby boomers at 69.7 million and 69.2 millions respectively, according to Pew Research Center. Which means there are many first time, or fairly new voters during this important election. That means more chance for a realigning election—when the majority party switches— so it’s imperative to get out and vote.

The United States ranks 129th in voter turnout, according to Pew Research Center, with just over 53 percent of registered voters partaking in the 2012 presidential election. It may not seem like a problem, but the U.S.’s future is not something to be taken lightly.

Voting is much more than just saying “I’m with her,” or “make America great again.”

One of the most important functions of a constitutionally limited republic is helping select who represents the voters in the government. Who is fighting for the people’s interests?

Don’t want taxes raised $100 million in the next year? Want to make your own body decisions? Don’t want constitutional rights taken away?

Vote. Get off the couch. Logout of Twitter. And just vote.

There are 318.9 million people living in the U.S., so voicing a lone opinion is nearly impossible. But taking 15 minutes out of the day on Nov. 8 to voice one’s opinion is well worth it.

Sure, one vote likely won’t sway an election. But if the 114 million who skipped the polling booths on Election Day took those extra 15 minutes to cast their ballots, an election could completely flip.

At the end of the day— specifically, Nov. 8— it doesn’t matter who someone votes for. Just vote.