Your Vote, Your Legacy

Tuesday is Election Day. 

While most people will be focused on who wins, there is one story that won’t get as much attention as it should: a lot of Americans won’t vote.  

In 2020, one in every three registered voters did not vote. Among Latinos, this number was higher, with nearly one in two Hispanics not voting in 2020.  

These are discouraging numbers. 

Why? Because  when we vote, we decide the future of our country, our lives, and our children. Voting has a direct impact on your day-to-day life. When we all vote, we set the foundations for the country we want.   

By not voting, Americans surrender the opportunity to build a legacy for our country.  

If you are one of the Americans who’s not sure of voting because you feel disgruntled, apathetic, or disillusioned about our politics, this is for you.   

You might be thinking of staying home this election. You might think voting is not worth the effort. You might have a list of reasons not to vote this Tuesday.  

But for a moment, give voting a second thought. Here are three reasons why you should vote — even if you don’t like any of the candidates on the ballot.  

Reason #1: Voting is the most effective way to make your voice heard  

Casting a ballot is much more than pulling a lever or filling a paper. It’s our way to have a say on how our government works, and America has been like that since the beginning.  

As a democratic republic, America was founded as a democratic republic — and we are one of the few nations in the world where, since our founding, politicians are accountable to the people.    

Every two years, Americans decide whether those in power are doing a good or bad job. No politician, no matter their influence or political party, can escape the people’s final verdict.  

They must listen to the people if they want to win or stay in office. However, your voice will only be heard if you go out and vote. If you don’t vote, no one will listen to you. 

If you’re disgruntled with how things are going, let your elected officials know and vote.  

If you’re happy with how things are going, let your elected officials know and vote.  

We live in a system that allows us to choose our government. Voting is our chance to build a legacy that will endure for years. Don’t miss that opportunity.  

Reason #2: It’s not just about Washington D.C. – think of your neighborhood 

Are you tired of our toxic partisan debate or don’t like either political party?  

You’re not alone. 

Most Americans don’t like either party, and the share of independent voters has risen significantly over the last few years.  

However, this election is not only about who gets the keys to the White House or controls Congress in Washington, D.C.; it is also about issues closer to home.     

On November 5, Americans in all but four states will vote to elect their state legislature, 11 states will elect their next governor, and citizens across the entire country will have the final say on nearly 150 ballot measures and elect local officers like county commissioners, sheriffs, and other local officials.  

These local and state elections have more impact on your daily life than whatever happens at the federal level. So, make your voice heard in your community and go to the polls.  

Democracy is, at its core, about local issues. Don’t let partisan politics get in the way of that.   

Reason #3: It keeps the American experiment alive and well 

Unlike most countries, in America, the government derives its just powers from the people, not being part of a royal dynasty or having the biggest army. 

At the time, America was an unprecedented experiment — one that most people thought would fail miserably.  

Yet, through decades of innovation, hard work, and civic engagement, Americans not only maintained our republic, we expanded our democracy, and built a country that is a shining example of freedom and prosperity for millions across the world. 

Our forefathers worked hard to build the country we have. Their legacy was to give us a free country to live in. It’s now our turn to do the same.  

We can’t take our freedoms for granted.  

As we’ve seen in places like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, democracy is fragile and requires constant work to stay afloat.  

What’s the best way to keep the American experiment alive and well? Voting.  

What’s the best way to leave your mark in your country? Vote.  

So this Tuesday, don’t miss the opportunity to make your voice heard. 

Vote.