In this country, every citizen 18 years or older can register to vote. Voting is a civic duty, a hallmark of democracy, and a legally guided process.
More importantly, a vote is a voice.
Too often I hear a feeling of helplessness when someone says “a single vote doesn’t make a difference,” or worse, “my vote doesn’t matter.”
True, your chosen candidate may lose, or a proposition you favor may fail. But they could also win. But voting is bigger than a single win-or-lose moment. Voting shapes the actions of our government. The candidates want your vote, not just today, but in the future. They want you to support their decisions. When a vote reveals a large number of people who are not in support of their actions, they do hear you.
And you know what else is magical about voting? You do not have to be a reader, writer, or verbal communicator to vote.
Voting precincts are required to be accessible, not only physically, but to also offer magnification devices, a voting volunteer to read the ballot to you, or to complete the manual vote based on your choice. Voting volunteers are highly trained and take an oath to make sure your vote is yours, even if you need assistance. Many states even offer training on the voting machines so the voter can confidently use them on election day. By law, voting is for every citizen of voting age.
Voting is a privilege.
Voting is a responsibility.
Voting is a voice for everyone.