As a first-time voter and someone who has been interested in politics and the way government works since the age of 14, I know how absolutely significant it is for everyone to go out and vote. No, I’m not talking about every four years when the presidential election happens. I’m talking about literally every single year on every first Tuesday of November.
This year, of course, we get to vote for who our next president will be. Don’t forget, though, that there will also be down-ballot races that matter to all of us which could impact us either directly or indirectly whether it’s an election for U.S. Senate, Congress, county, municipal government, or even your local school board. There are some who only remember to vote in the presidential years. Here in New Jersey, we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to elect a president this year, elect a governor and state Legislature next year, and, two years from now, elect a new Congress.
There are politicians who either have been in office too long or ones who get elected but are ill-intentioned and do not fight for the people. We, as a people, have to remind them that, at the end of the day, the constituents are always the boss of the politicians, and that if we do not like what they are doing, we will vote them out. In the next few years, whether you are young or old, we need to remember to turn out and vote.
In some cases, including here in New Jersey with this year’s election, there will be critical ballot questions that ask the voters a specific question and you can answer either “yes” or “no.” This gives us the opportunity to voice our opinions about a pressing issue that matters locally and, again, could have an impact on all of us. This election N.J. voters will decide whether to legalize marijuana.
Whether it is electing a politician or voting on a ballot question, it is important that we all vote to make our voices heard. Lately, in many elections, turnout has been rather low which means a smaller number of people decide who will be the representative of the entire constituency. That has been the case in multiple elections in the past. These elections can carry big consequences for the future and our way of life.
When we cast our ballots for federal officials, we vote for representatives and a president who will keep our country intact to protect us from enemies here and abroad, but also keep all our branches of government running smoothly.
When we cast our ballots for state, county and local officials, we vote for people who will make sure all the essential departments are running smoothly such as fire, police, the EMTs, etc.
When we vote, we need to know where and how our tax money will be spent. In many cases, we also get the opportunity to either keep what we have or make a change.
Voting gives us all an opportunity to voice our opinion and make it heard. If you want to make sure your voice is heard in a more emphatic way, volunteer to campaign for the candidate you want to win, which in turn may influence more people to get mobilized and go vote. People have died for our right to have a voice in this democracy. Hopefully no one will forget that, and we will have a bigger turnout than any other election in history.
Again, make your voice heard, and if you haven’t yet, go vote!