Every couple of years in the United States, we’re given the opportunity to have our voices be heard and have a say in the way our country runs. Unfortunately, only about half of those eligible to vote actually do. Why is Congress so unproductive? Probably because we’re not taking on the opportunity to vote for people that will be more productive.

So why should you vote, other than making Congress (or whatever body/position) be productive? Well, it allows you to exercise your freedom (something that you have a right to as a human being). In a free country, why stand idly by while other people decide things for you?

Another reason to vote is that every vote counts. You might feel like “one vote doesn’t make a difference”. And on the microscopic level, that’s true. If 99.999% of the population votes and you don’t, your vote won’t do much. The problem is that it adds up. When hundreds or thousands of people take that attitude, their lack of voting matters. By the same token, those votes would count for something if they existed.

I won’t hide the fact that I’m a liberal, and I think liberal policies are usually very preferable to conservative policies (especially those held by the extreme right). And I won’t deny that I think liberals could win, and would put this country on the “right” path if given the opportunity. But to be honest, that’s beside the point. This is about empowering YOU and ALL of us to decide what the right path is. So get out there and vote!