Before You Decide You Shouldn’t Vote in the 2020 Election, Read This

As the 2020 Presidential election approaches, some people are left wondering: “What is the point of voting?” or “Why should I vote, it won’t make a difference?” I was once asked these questions myself. I viewed voting as a concept that was innumerable, because there were millions of Americans who are electing a leader.

The younger demographic is one of the most important needed for voter turnout, especially in the upcoming election. Source: iStock

I  only recently registered to vote in this upcoming election. I recognized that I have the power to choose the leader I want to represent this nation. As college students, we may feel that our votes are outweighed by the older demographic, leaving us powerless in making change. However, in reality, voting will influence our day to day lives.

Voting for the candidate you see as the best fit to govern our nation is important for a number of reasons. The first being that your voice is recognized and spoken for in local and national issues. These issues include, but are not limited to, access to clean drinking water, domestic violence, criminal neglect, lack of funding for schooling, healthcare inequality, and racial bias in the workplace. You may feel that your personal ballot is irrelevant, but in reality, your vote contributes to helping problems such as these and eradicating an oppressive society. 

Another reason to vote is in anticipation of a close election. While it may not happen as frequently as we assume, it happened in 2016. Because of the candidates, it may happen again in 2020. 

According to Axios, in 2016, a shift occurred in voter turnout, resulting in 80,000 less votes in three states (Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin), which is 0.06% of the 137 million votes cast in the U.S. In addition to this example, Al Gore narrowly lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush in 2000. According to National Geographic, “Bush had won Florida by 0.009 percent of the votes cast in the state, or 537 votes. Had 600 more pro-Gore voters gone to the polls in Florida that November, there may have been an entirely different president from 2000– 2008.” Both scenarios show the importance of votes. While you may feel your vote is irrelevant and subsequently choose not to vote, it begins to add up when hundreds of citizens do the same.

Sure, voting bases itself on the Electoral College, but you are a part of history when you vote. Your ballot can be the difference of whether budget battles, education funding and Medicaid options receive equity or not. Casting your vote alongside other Americans for someone you feel is best suited to run a nation will instill change. Voting is your time to shine — you hold a choice in your hand that will determine America’s future. 

While as college students, some of whom are away from home, it can be confusing on how to vote. It is still not an excuse. Your state’s website will have information pertaining to voting rules and regulations as well as guidance to obtaining an absentee ballot. Regardless of how you choose to vote, make sure to check your state’s rules. Every method of casting a ballot is valid, so all that matters is that you vote.