Ben Nikpour - Week 8: The Dilemmas of Election Day

    Every year elections come around on the first Tuesday of November. On this day, we anxiously wait for the news of who is our next public official. While I am still under 18 and do not have the right to vote, I still follow the elections very closely. Frequently I talk to people who do not understand what is happening in our government; they do not watch the polls. I do not know how people can ignore such an essential part of our lives. For example, this election cycle is the midterm elections. All our house representatives and most of our senators are up for re-election. The results of this election will dictate the future of our country for at least the next two years. Issues like abortion rights, climate change, inflation, and the economy are on the ballot. 

    With all that being said, you would think everyone would be rushing to the voting booths to cast their vote. Unfortunately, that is far from the truth. While I have yet to get the exact numbers for the elections today, most likely, 30-40% of eligible voters will decide not to vote. I think voting is such an essential part of our democracy- It is our way of using our voice and demanding change. Some people have extenuating circumstances on why they cannot vote, but that does not account for millions of voters. Elections come down to the slimmest margins, sometimes within hundreds of votes. If millions of people use their voices, our elections could have highly different outcomes.

    Additionally, possibly controversial, if you choose not to vote, you should not talk about or complain about politics. I constantly hear people talking about a politician they hate when I know they did not vote but have the full ability to do so. If you really dislike a politician, vote them out!

    Regarding election day itself, we should declare it a federal holiday. As I have said, it is such an important day. Declaring it a national holiday will encourage more people to vote. It will not solve the entire 30-40% issue, but it may allow a few more people to vote and bring light to this special day.


    Do you follow the elections, and if you are over 18, did you vote?






Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 29, 2022 at 8:57 AM

    Watching election results to me is almost like watching the finale of a reality show. The race is close, both people lead at some points, and it is as suspenseful as possible. However, unlike a reality show, the stakes are very high. I plan to vote in 2024, when I am able to cast my ballot.

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