Make your voice heard on Election Day

By Izabelle Hilderbrand, Girl Scout Troop 2552

Voting is a quintessential part of our democracy, but it hasn’t always been assured. Only 100 years ago, on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment was ratified. This promised women the right to vote. It took some time for all of the states across the nation to implement this, and still some women were denied the right to vote, but it gave the country hope. Hope that soon, all voices will be heard. Unfortunately, it is this hope that is dying in our country.

In 2016, less than 60% of eligible voters voted. When people are asked why they do not vote, there are varying responses but one of the most common is simply “my vote doesn’t matter”. The issue becomes that when so many people believe this, we stop having a true democracy. About half of the people’s voices are not represented.

The underrepresentation of voters is especially prevalent in local politics. Local elections are the epitome of when the sentiment “my vote doesn’t matter” is inapplicable. Local elections can be swayed by just a few votes, and they tend to be the elections that impact your community the most!

Another common reason people do not vote is because they don’t think they have the time. Remember that the polls are open from 6am to 6pm and as long as you are in line by 6pm, you legally have the right to vote! There are 10 polling places across Greene County, so there might just be one near you! Please note that if you are registered in Greene County, you can only vote in Greene County, but you can vote any polling place in the county. While you may have missed it this year, keep in mind that early voting begins almost a month before the election.

While some may see it as inconvenient, voting is a necessary part of our democracy. Without voting, our democracy fails. Please, if you can, make your voice heard. Vote this Election Day and restore the hope in our democracy that all voices will be heard.

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