By: Bridie Beamish

National/World Editor

As reports on the Republican primaries flood news sources and social media sites, marking the commencement of the election season, it is critical that we remind ourselves of the importance of voting and our civic responsibility to voice our concerns and desires for society. While the 2020 election saw the highest voter turnout in decades at 62.8 percent of those eligible casting a vote, the US still ranks drastically below other countries in voter turnout, coming in at 31 out of a list of 49 developed countries. It is imperative that this upward trend in voter turnout continues and that American citizens utilize their right to vote to increase representation of the people. 

To make the active decision not to vote because of the belief that it is not effective or because you aren’t a political person depicts egregious privilege and ignorance; failing to take a stand on decisions that will impact a large amount of society shows a lack of care for and acknowledgement of others. Acting passively about the future of our nation and the citizens residing in it destroys the basis of a representative democracy on which America was founded, allowing for the political chaos and division currently affecting the nation.

While the argument that one vote will not change the outcome of an entire election is factually valid in most cases, it dismisses the notion that every vote has significance in a political community. Voting is communal, not individual; while one vote likely won’t sway the election, a group of them will, and adding to this group strengthens its representation, essentially exemplifying the common phrase “there’s strength in numbers.” Some may argue that America is more of an oligarchy and that voting is futile when economic elites hold power over the majority. However, even those in power must limit themselves to the tolerance of the voting majority, preventing dictatorship and engaging the will and voices of the people.

Undoubtedly, alongside voting comes the dangers of misinformation. The 2020 election and allegations of voter fraud set a precedent for many future elections, instilling the harmful idea that elections are rigged and increasing the presumption that they do not represent the true wishes of the people. To combat this, people should not take a step back, but rather increase their voices and fight for their representation. Taking the time to vote and educate oneself on politics and political candidates from accurate sources can help alleviate misinformation and contribute to a well-informed society capable of creating a larger impact. 

Sixty-four percent of Americans believe US democracy is in crisis and at risk of failing. Yet, some continue to stand idly by, watching the country fall into the hands of passivity and pessimism. Rather than giving into the belief that the future is out of our control, there must be an increase in representation, starting at the source with higher voter turnout. I implore you to vote, not just because the right to vote is a civic duty, but because it is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy, which we must evidently work to protect.

(Sources: CNBC, NBC, NPR, NY Times, Pew Research Center)