Want to Vote? Here’s How to Get Started

The election season for the United States is upon us complete with rallies, watching the polls, participating in the primaries and much more. A year from now voters all across the United States will be flocking to their local ballot box locations to cast their votes as to who will be the 47th President. From now until then there are various steps to take before you can cast your educated vote. 

Voting should be taken for granted as it is a right that all Americans have. Philosopher John Locke talks heavily on how the government should only be entrusted with power given by the citizens and the citizens power alone that can do so. 

Voting Trends

Moving past the historical background, generally speaking, this is often noted as a time when the voices of Americans are heard. In recent elections prior to the 2020 election, the voter participation rate averaged with  60% of eligible voter populations casting their ballots. 

Elections between 2018-2022 saw some of the lowest Hispanic participation on record with only 19% of Hispanic age-eligible citizens voting in all three elections according to Pew Research Center. Including but not limited to the shocking data reveal that Hispanic eligible voters were the most likely not to have voted in any election between those years. 

This lack of votes is the result of many different variables, like ballot inaccessibility, lack of significant voting sentiment, and lack of faith in the voting system to name a few. To counter this, campaigns have switched their approaches when it comes to gaining support. 

You might be asking, why does it matter that participation rates are so low? Compared to other countries like New Zealand that have a rate of 82% participation rate. This ties back to the notion of earlier theories of there being a faulted lack of represented voices, opinions, views. 

When only a few are voting, that translates to their voice having a larger impact on the lives of those that do not vote. If people do not vote then they submit to the opinions of others without having any say. When everyone who is eligible registers and shows up to vote, it better represents the public sentiments. 

Want to Vote? Here’s How to Get Started

One of the unique components of voting is that it is a reflection of your personal views and values. Taking a moment to figure out some of the issues that you might feel passionate about is a good place to start. 

Another important step to take is becoming a registered voter. Most states have programs in Highschool that allow students to pre register before turning 18 so that they are registered and approved once they turn of age. Alternatively you can visit your local office of elections to become registered. 

Become an educated voter. Do research on your candidates. Ask yourself a question like, does this person represent my values? Is their platform promising something that could benefit my situation? How will their position impact previous policies? 

Voting is more than simply checking a box next to a name. It is a decision that will affect your life and the lives of those around you too.