Why vote?

November 5, 2012

Yasmine Novian

Editor-in-Chief 

Tomorrow, November 6th, I will be one of the millions of citizens to cast a vote for the next president of the United States of America. After doing my research, watching the debates, and engaging in discussions with other students, I have finally become confident that my vote will be for the right candidate.

This whole year I have bragged about being able to vote; being born on November 2nd, I make the voting cut by just a few days. But what was there to really be excited about?

I know my vote will be insignificant in the scheme of the election as this fall California will stand strong behind Obama. However, this fact has not deterred me from voting and I hope that it does not dissuade other young voters. For me, being able to vote this year will be a reiteration of my freedoms as an American.

Across the world, thousands of students living in nondemocratic countries can only dream of having their voices heard. The freedoms and liberties given to me by the constitution are luxuries that I cannot afford to take for granted.

Furthermore, as a woman, casting my vote tomorrow will pay tribute to the exertions of the unswerving woman of the 19th century. Not to vote would be to disregard all past efforts to achieving the equality and democracy for which America is renowned.

America sees voting as a basic right, not only for her citizens but also for citizens around the world. With interventions in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Georgia, the United States has made priorities to ensure that people all over the world can vote and experience the benefits of individuality.

So why am I still going to vote tomorrow? I am voting because it is my duty to exercise my freedoms and act on my beliefs. Election day in California will be a day to celebrate American democracy and the country’s undying devotion to extending democracy throughout the world. I am voting tomorrow to serve as a paragon and instill faith in the suppressed youth around the world.

Don’t take your vote for granted; it still counts.