The most bittersweet aspect of life is its uncontrollable and unforeseeable nature. All people want control in their lives. Some of us dream of the past, wishing we could have made a choice when decisiveness was absent. This leads us to wonder what lies ahead in the unknown. What would you do if you could look into the future? Certainly, you would act on what you felt was best. In two days, Americans will have this chance. In three years, so will Canadians. This opportunity is called Election Day.

Although we all possess this ability to impact our future, less than 60% of Americans voted in the last election and fewer citizens intend to vote this year compared to 2012. People generally attribute their apathy to the notion that their single vote is meaningless when compared to many others. When we diffuse responsibility, we lose responsibility. If everyone used the same excuse and did not vote, what kind of world, let alone government, would we have?

“People who do nothing when the price may be everything are the poorest of all.”

If you like a candidate, support them and build the country you want to see. If you despise a candidate, vote against them and impact the margins (which influence how much power the president gets when first entering office). Keep in mind, you’re also voting for their parties, meaning there is more than just a presidency at stake. This opportunity is not available every moment; US elections come and go every four years, adding to their significance. To the Americans who pledged to candidates no longer in the race, what do all candidates, even those still running, have in common? They all urge you to vote. Even with completely divergent paradigms, all candidates understand the importance of voting. If two total opposites that have staked their chances on voting can agree, why do we continue to devalue an option that is so coveted?

An educated voter cares enough about their life to find a candidate with the same beliefs and values. Whether you believe in more houses or more parks, lower tuition fees or taxes, more global conquests or more troops on home soil, more freedom of speech or more censorship, any opinion you have at all is at stake in this election. Vote to create a country made for you—one that reflects these beliefs and values you champion.

Photo: Memphis CVB/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Photo: Memphis CVB/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Women did not have American voting rights until the 1920s. Racial and ethnic minorities fought until 1965 to gain their full voting power. 3 In 2008, we saw America’s first African American President and in 2016, we may see America’s first female president.

When we cast a ballot, we are solidifying our commitment to all of the progress humankind has made. Human history has shown that when people band together, they create an everlasting impact. Human solidarity is the reason the Nazi regime was overthrown. The same quality can also be attributed to our cosmic discoveries, scientific triumphs, and perpetual evolution as social beings with a newfound understanding of culture, gender, and equality. Most of all, our ability to work as one is the reason human beings are the dominant species on earth.

As citizens in a democracy, we have a civic duty to fulfill. As people with beliefs, we have a right to stand up for what we stand for. As Americans living in the most powerful country on earth with an election before you, you have the opportunity to shape the future.

By Bobby Hristova

Please note that opinions expressed are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views and values of The Blank Page.