OP/ED: The Importance of Voting

By Olivia Bono

Since the conception of this country, the people’s voice has been vital to our government’s structure.  However, not every citizen has taken advantage of this right.   

According to the census released by the U.S. Department of Commerce in July 2012, approximately 71 percent of the citizens of the United States of America were registered to vote and 64 percent of voting-age citizens actually voted in the 2008 presidential election.  Also, the census states that from the span of the 2004 election to the 2008 election, the number of voting-age citizens increased by nine million people while only five million more people voted in the 2008 election.  In New Hampshire, 71.2 percent of eligible voters actually voted in the 2008 election.  These numbers, while a slight increase from the 2004 election, are still not as high as should be expected in a country that was founded on the principle of the people having a voice.  If we, as citizens, do not take advantage of that voice, then what is the point of having it at all? Why bother defending our freedoms if they are not exercised? Our country is built on the idea that all people have a say in their government, but how can the people make their voice known if others cannot hear it?

Some people believe that their vote does not really matter and that it is not worth their time to vote.  However, as recently illustrated by the 2000 presidential election, a small margin can separate candidates.  In the state of Florida, the margin that separated the two candidates in the presidential election of 2000 was less than one percent.  This razor-thin margin clearly illustrates that every person’s vote does matter and can make a difference in elections, as the state of Florida’s votes determined this particular race.

Voting is a right allotted to citizens of the United States and does not appear to be appreciated by everyone.  It is important for us as citizens to remember that it is our duty to vote and make our voice known, especially in the upcoming presidential election.

Our country is one that truly allows people to have a say in their government, and voting in elections, whether it is the presidential election or the local school board election, is vital for that to happen. It is the privilege and duty of all citizens to do so, and not taking advantage of it hurts not only themselves, but also their country.

Olivia Bono is an incoming junior at Windham High School. The above Op/Ed was written for an AP Language and Composition class.