I’ve heard people say, “Trump needs to go” or “Trump is a hero.” Whether you relate to either one or fall in the middle, that’s okay. The general election has always been important, but this general election of 2020 is crucial. It is prominent now because of how America has changed since Trump had been elected president four years ago.

The United States has been more divided than it has ever been in recent history. The quote that comes to my mind is, “You’re either with us or against us.” Former President Bush used a variation of this after the 9/11 attack: “You Are Either With Us, Or With the Terrorists.” It’s black or white, and there is no grey area. Not only that, this year, America has had a lot of trauma recently, such as dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the record-setting wildfires, and the uprising racism in recent history, just to name a few.

What we need is real change. In order to do that, we need to come together to vote, march, and care for each other. But voting is a crucial start. Vote for your local, state, and federal candidates who support the issues you care about. 

These are the three reasons why your vote matters:

1.  Your voice matters. 

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo via Unsplash

You may think that your voice and your vote don’t matter, but it still counts. Whether you vote or not vote, that is a choice. Some Americans do not have the ability to vote, but you can help them to use their voice. 

Nabela Noor, a creator, activist, and entrepreneur, was interviewed by Teen Vogue in an article on why vote in 2020. This is her response: “Your vote is your voice. It is you using your voice and individual power to influence the collective and make a seemingly small but powerful contribution to a massive system. Your vote holds so much significance, and it can be the vote that pushes the needle further in the fight for a more equal and just America. Be a part of shaping the nation to which you are contributing your gifts and greatness.” 

Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight attendants – CWA, AFL-CIO, was also interviewed by Teen Vogue on the importance of voting. She said, “Don’t listen to anyone who says your voice or your vote doesn’t matter. Your voice and your vote are real power.” 

2. Your country matters. 

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To vote in the United States is a right, thanks to our founding fathers. For many Americans who were born and lived in this country for many years, they take it for granted. Those who have the ability to vote this year are worried that a civil war may be upon us in the near future. We need to act now, and voting is one of them. Eva Longoria, an actress and a moderator at the 2020 DNC, was interviewed by Teen Vogue about why she will vote. She said, “I’m voting because our democracy, morality, and the soul of America are at stake.” 

According to Karios Center, many undocumented immigrants are not allowed to vote because they are not American citizens. Black communities, especially, even if they are American citizens, have difficulty having a voice in their votes. Citizens from around the world do not have the same rights to appoint their next future leaders. In fact, immigrants who come to the United States say it’s a privilege and an honor to have a voice in their country. Think about that before you think your vote doesn’t matter. Nathalie Rayes, president and CEO of Latino Victory, said in an interview with Teen Vogue: “You can vote on behalf of those who do not have a voice. In this election, the future of hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients and thousands of undocumented immigrants who cannot vote is on the line….”

3. Your world matters.

Photo by The New York Public Library via Unsplash

You may not think that who you pick as president and other local and state candidates matter, but they do. It will change how citizens from around the world are looking to us as a role model. Now, not so much. According to the Pew Research Center, world leaders express less confidence in Trump than his predecessor, Barack Obama. We need a leader who will better represent us as the United States, and solve the issues that we care about and act on them. Janeese Lewis George, a nominee to represent Ward 4 on the Washington, DC, city council, was also interviewed on Teen Vogue on the importance of voting. She said, “It’s not just our future on the line; our present ability to live and thrive is on the line. Democracy, social justice, environmental justice, equality — it’s all on the line this election. No one can afford to sit this one out.”

Voting is a trying matter. Sometimes, it can be difficult to decide what and who to vote for. You want to make sure that whatever and whoever you vote for, they align with your values and beliefs in what you hope to gain as an American citizen. Your vote matters.