Today is an important day for many people. Are you exercising your right to vote?
Voting rights in America have come a long way. In 1870, the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution gave voting rights to all male citizens, regardless of race. In 1918, women were given the right to vote, Native Americans were given the right in 1924. One of the most important rights in voting came on July 1, 1971 when President Richard M. Nixon signed the final ratification of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, which lowered the voting age nationwide from 21 to 18. This no doubt put a huge number of new voters into the system.

Voting is one of the most important rights and duty we have as  American citizens. Today I  exercised my right to choose my representative government. Much of the world does not share our right and privilege. They live under oppressive governments who choose their leaders, and laws, and their own whim, often for their own personal benefit. Since our separation from Great Britain, we have had to fight for our way of life. Hundreds of thousand of your fellow American citizens serving in the Armed Forces have given their lives to preserve our freedom.  I am thankful that they gave so much so that I could exercise my right.

Voter turnout is usually very low. Some people choose not to vote because they do not like any of the candidates, some choose not to because the forget, and some because they are not even registered. As a young American, it is our duty to register and cast your vote. Our Democracy, and your voice depends on it. Voting is the single most effective way to make your voice heard. If you don’t agree with your politicians value, ideas, or performance, you can make your voice know in the voting booth. But before you step into that voting booth, might I suggest your do a little homework first. Do research on the candidates you are voting on, their voting records, how they stand on issued important to you, what their plans are for the future. If ever your voice counts, it is now!!

So get out and vote and be glad all of the crazy adds are off the tv and radio!