November is around the corner, and like the proverbial leaves that fall from the trees, we’ll soon be bombarded with political ads, lawn signs, and a parade of soundbites that range from inspiring to downright baffling. But here’s the question that keeps popping up like a bad rerun: to vote or not to vote?
Seriously, is that even a question? Let’s take a deep dive into the issue, and no, this isn’t just another attempt to nudge you into a polling booth. Think of it as an exploration of why voting matters more now than ever.
Future without you
Imagine it’s the day after the election. Your candidate lost (or won—does it really matter now?). You’re scrolling through social media, bombarded with a never-ending stream of victory laps and outrage. Somewhere in the chaos, you think, “Eh, it wouldn’t have made a difference if I voted anyway.” But here’s the kicker—what if it did?
What if the handful of votes that could’ve tipped the scale in your candidate’s favor were missing because people like you sat it out? What if your abstention is part of why the issues you care about got pushed back? Yeah, let that sink in.
The “vote doesn’t count” myth.
Now, you might be thinking, “My vote doesn’t matter.” Oh, but it does. And not just in the cliché, democracy-rah-rah sort of way. Let’s take a quick detour through history—how many elections have been decided by razor-thin margins? You’ve got your Bush v. Gore in 2000, where just 537 votes in Florida shaped the entire country’s future. More recently, in the 2020 election in Georgia, the state’s electoral votes were decided by a margin of only 11,779 votes—out of nearly 5 million cast. In nail-biters like these, even your neighbor’s cat could’ve waltzed in, called the shots, and tipped the scales.
And sure, you may not be living in a swing state where the margins are that close, but here’s the thing: voting isn’t just about presidential elections. Local and state elections, the ones that decide your school boards, city councils, and criminal justice policies, are often won by minuscule numbers of votes. So, yeah, your vote does count.
Living with the consequences
Imagine waking up one morning to find out that your city council passed a law banning your favorite late-night taco truck. Outrageous, right? Turns out, the person you didn’t bother voting against last November was the tie-breaking vote. Sure, this is hypothetical (though honestly, it’s 2024, anything could happen), but it underscores a very real point. The decisions made by elected officials affect your daily life—whether it’s zoning laws, police budgets, or even the availability of your beloved street food.
Think your voice doesn’t matter in shaping those policies? Tell that to the taco truck that just got the boot.
If you don’t vote
What if we lived in a world where only 10% of people voted? Guess what? That world looks pretty bleak. Those who show up to vote will have outsized influence on policies that affect the other 90%. And here’s the catch: that 10%? They may not exactly be voting in your best interests.
By not voting, you’re effectively handing over the reins of your future to someone else. Whether it’s the future of healthcare, the climate, or even how much you’re paying in taxes, those decisions will be made—by someone. The question is, will it be someone who represents your views? Or someone who couldn’t care less about what you think?
The ripple effect
Okay, you’re one vote. One measly little ballot. How can that possibly make a difference in the grand scheme of things? Fair point—but here’s the thing about voting: it’s contagious.
When you vote, your friends notice. Your family might even reconsider their apathy. You become part of a collective wave that can change the tide of an election (And hey, if nothing else, you’ll score that illustrious ‘I Voted’ sticker—bragging rights included). Studies have shown that people are more likely to vote when they know others around them are doing the same. So, by voting, you’re not just casting a ballot for yourself—you’re starting a ripple effect that extends far beyond you.
High stakes
Let’s not kid ourselves; the stakes are high. This upcoming election isn’t just about who gets to sit in the Oval Office and wear a fancy suit for four years. It’s about climate policy, healthcare reform, voting rights, criminal justice, the economy—things that directly affect you and everyone you know.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s the most important election of our lifetime” a dozen times already. Annoying, sure. But in many ways, it’s true. The 2020 U.S. presidential election had a voter turnout of 66.8% of eligible voters, the highest in over a century. Yet, that still means nearly a third of voters sat it out. The policies we vote on (or don’t vote on) now will impact the country for decades to come.
Choosing the least bad
Ah, the classic conundrum. What if all the candidates are as appealing as a soggy sandwich? Well, voting isn’t about finding the perfect candidate—it’s about choosing the best option available. Even if none of the candidates are 100% aligned with your views, chances are one of them is closer to your vision of the future than the other. Choosing not to vote because you don’t like the options is like refusing to eat because the menu doesn’t have your favorite dish. Sure, it’s not ideal, but you’re going to be a lot hungrier if you don’t make a choice.
Just show up
In the end, voting isn’t just a civic duty; it’s a way of participating in shaping the world around you. The system isn’t perfect, and neither are the candidates, but opting out of voting doesn’t make things better—it just makes it easier for those who don’t share your vision of the future to have their way.
So, when November rolls around, don’t ask yourself whether you should vote. The answer is already clear. Show up. Because if you don’t, someone else will. And let’s be honest—you really don’t want them deciding your future.
