. . .voting is an easy way (if not the only way) of having some input in our nation’s government

While the election is expected to receive higher voter turnout than it has in decades, especially among young voters, in recent years, voter turnout has been incredibly low. In the 2004 Presidential election, only 60.1% of eligible voters showed up at the polls. In a nation whose constituents often take pride in “freedom” and “democracy,” why does 40 percent of the nation not care to exercise their right to vote?

Maybe they don’t know how to register. Maybe they physically can’t reach the polling place. Maybe they dislike all candidates or think their vote doesn’t matter. Maybe they just don’t care.

Perhaps nonvoters are overly looked down upon. After all, voting is a privilege, not a requirement. Citizens have just as much right to not vote as they do to vote. 

However, voting is an easy way (if not the only way) of having some input in our nation’s government. You’re vote may not make a whole lot of difference, but it is necessary for our government to function the best that it can.