This article was written by Adhya Parna of Poolesville High School
America. The United States of America. It is regarded as the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Our great nation also happens to be one of the 167 countries that practice the government form of Democracy. But what makes Democracy so special to the American people? It’s one word that holds quite a meaning to millions. Voting. Today, most Americans over 18-years-old have secured the dream of being able to select who they think are the best fit leaders for our country. However, voting was not always such a privilege.
Article I of the United States Constitution determines that members of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives will be elected by the people directly or the popular vote. In contrast, the President of the United States is not directly voted by the public, but rather by the Electoral College.
Because the Constitution never stated who could vote, the lingering question was given to the responsibility of the states during the 1800s. In most states, aristocratic white males were given the right to vote. Groups such as females, Black people and other disadvantaged groups were excluded from partaking in voting.
It was not until the 15th Amendment was passed on February 26, 1869, that Black men were allowed to vote. However, the qualifying Black voters were restricted from voting, through poll taxes, literacy tests- and even the “grandfather clause” (a clause in registration laws, allowing people who did not meet registration requirements to vote if they or their ancestors had voted before 1867).
This had continued until the 24th Amendment (that eliminated the poll tax) was passed in 1962, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (that ended the Jim Crow Laws). Females were restricted from the right to vote until 1920, when the Women’s Suffrage Movement led to the passing of the 19th Amendment. This era of the struggle to vote had dated back to the birth of America to the 20th century. We, the people, have come a long way to securing equality!
So why does YOUR vote matter? The United States election has consequences. Americans, as certified citizens, have the power to decide the quality of life they want, not just for themselves, but for future generations as well. YOU can vote for who resembles your views on various issues (i.e. environmental protection, education, health care, criminal reform, public transportation, etc).
Not voting means that you are giving up your voice and opinions. We have the freedom to say, do- and believe ANYTHING we want. If you do not vote, someone else will make that decision for you. It is in your hands. Voting will bring forth the opportunity to make a change. Would you like to make a positive impact? You are given that chance by supporting candidates that can help make your community, county, region, state and even your country for the best interests!
But what if you’re not 18 and you still want to make a difference? Despite legal voting policies and requirements, you can still participate in the election process, even if you are a minor. You can stay informed on political issues (both in your state and national) to catch up with the crowd on where you stand. You can share your opinions on social media or through a local newspaper, and volunteer! If you support a particular candidate during an election time, you can work for their campaign by phone banking, doing door-to-door outreach, writing postcards and letters or volunteering at an organization’s headquarters. In addition, Maryland citizens that are over the age of 16 are allowed to register to vote. To register, you can text “VOTE” to 777888, the deadline is October 13th.
Taking part in elections is one of the absolute prominent prerogatives of the American lifestyle. Unfortunately, many countries do not have the same freedoms. No matter what you believe, whom you want to vote for, or what issues you support, we must exercise our rights as United States citizens.
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