COLUMN: Go vote!
If you are over the age of 18, there is absolutely no reason not to vote come election day this year.
There is no such thing as being uninformed on the issues.
You live the issues, you interact daily within institutions and social constructions that are defined by the laws and policies you should be voting on. Being unaware of the issues is to be unaware of life and of your surroundings.
Getting informed is as simple as flipping on a news station for five minutes instead of MTV, reading a newspaper or news website instead of your Facebook feed and talking to your friends about the things they care about. It's quick, it's easy and it's your responsibility to your country.
There is no such thing as not voting.
By not placing a vote on election day, you are essentially doubling the weight of another's ballot. By not placing a vote, you are allowing others to speak for you and make decisions about the issues you are passionate about, about your loved ones and yourself. By not placing a vote, you are discrediting the great foundations of our nation and all of the lives lost and battles fought just to earn you that right.
In a time when our right to vote can no longer be taken for granted, when there are measures being implemented to utterly disenfranchise the population through new "voter fraud" laws, taking responsibility can no longer be an option.
The American Dream is based in opportunity and the ability to change circumstances and make a difference. Gatsby wouldn't have driven himself mad if he didn't believe that light across the bay was actually attainable.
If we don't take control of those opportunities given to us though, then what chance is there for America and all of its greatness to continue? We are facing hardships as a nation, and nothing will ever get better unless American citizens recognize that opportunities are still available, and change can come in the form of something so simple as a checkbox on a ballot.
Whether it's apathy, lack of knowledge, forgetfulness or a busy schedule, your disavowal of your civic responsibilities are not a reason to simply shrug your shoulders.
In the words of the wonderful Dr. Seuss, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
Get registered. Cast a ballot on Nov. 6. Make yourself, your opinions and your values heard this election day.
