Vote Even When It’s Hard
Dear Jenny,
This is a little off topic from work, but I am really confused about what to do this election? I don’t need advice about which candidate to vote for. Instead, I feel completely discouraged about voting at all. Does it really matter? I’m just one person and I know a bunch of people who aren’t voting, too. Any motivating advice?
Thanks,
Burnt Out on the Ballot
Dear Burnt Out on the Ballot,
I’m going to start out with my favorite analogy about politics. Remember that voting isn’t marriage. You’re not looking for the perfect partner. He or she doesn’t need to say and act exactly how you’d like them to forever and ever, till death do you part. Voting is more like riding the city bus. If there isn’t a bus going exactly where you want to go, you get on the one that goes closest to your stop.
You might not vote because you don’t like the candidates. And here’s why I am going to say loudly that you should vote anyway. It is your right to have a say in what your future looks like. And a lot can get done in 4 year. Or 6 years for senators.
Vote with your heart and what YOUR beliefs are. I find it helpful to write down on a piece of paper the three issues that are most important. They can be things like education, the environment, reproductive rights, health insurance, or any fiscal or social issue. Then, research all of the candidates running and compare their stances with yours. Vote for the one who is closest. No candidate will perfectly align with your views, but voting for someone close is better than not voting and having someone win who shares none of your views.
You get to vote based on your beliefs – not what your parents or family members tell you to do. If you grew up in a family where everyone voted a certain way and never questioned it, it’s okay to vote differently. In the words of Fleetwood Mac, you can go your own way. And you’ll sleep better at night trusting your own gut.
Speaking of your parents and grandparents, you not voting is like letting your grandparents decide what your future will be for the next 4 years. Because seniors vote. And they do it in serious numbers. In fact, on average 75% of seniors vote in elections, and voters 35 and under only vote at a rate of 55%. Yikes.
One last thing. This one is for all of the ladies. Did you know it took 72 years of women fighting for this right before the 19th amendment was finally passed? And 2020 marks the 100th year of women’s voting rights. Go celebrate by voting and grabbing a drink (it’s also the 100 year anniversary of the start of prohibition). History is weird, right. But voting can and will change the future. Have a say in yours.
Sincerely,
Jenny
