Make a Difference

There is a position in the government that is being rudely ignored. Those in this position are shirking their duty. Determining all other government positions and rulings, a job of this enormity should not be treated so. In 1856, 78.9% of those in this position fulfilled their duty. 1904 saw only 65.2%, while the year 2000 showed only 51%. It is time to stand against such disregard, it is time to vote.
In America we are privileged to have democracy. Uniquely, a democracy creates laws and has rulers as all governments, however, those rulers and laws are approved by the people. Unlike other governments, people desire to live under a democracy and experience the freedoms that they established. Living under a democratic government is taken for granted.
Unfortunately, people neglect to exercise the right of voting. Excuses range from inconvenience, to the misconception that only candidates with money win. While it may seem that only the rich reach political offices, the votes of people place them there. It is also stated that one vote will not matter. If all voters decided this, none would vote. One close election was the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Amazingly, the popular vote statistics showed not even a percentage point separated the men. Contrariwise Bush had 271 of the electoral votes contrasted to Gore’s 266. In this election only 51% of the eligible voters voted. The outcome of the election could have been drastically different had more voted.
While most voters believe that choosing whether or not to vote is a preference, they fail to realize that it is not only a right, but a duty. It is no small matter that Americans are given the right to vote, it is an honor that many tarnish. Carrying the responsibility of this nation on their shoulders, people must understand the weight of their task.
Voting is one of the most vital positions in the nation. Putting into place leaders that will in turn make decisions that could alter the course of history, this job is taken too lightly. The people populating America are suffering from apathy. It is time for patriotism to rule again. Fellow Americans have fought, giving their lives for freedom and the right to vote. Yet, their bravery and honor are disregarded when one refuses to vote. Take on the responsibility, take on the challenge, and when given the opportunity, vote, for yourself, for your children, for the men and women that died to give you that right, and last of all for your nation.