As we approach the election, the flurry of dung-slinging that has been our presidential race has a reached a crescendo. Mountains of horrifying allegations have recently been made against the sentient dried apricot running as the Republican candidate. Meanwhile, he has tried to deflect his criticisms and refocus them on his Democratic opponent with petty, weak claims of a rigged election.
Oh, joy. Democracy at its finest.
I’ll preface this by stating that I am not here to tout the virtues of any of the candidates.
I know who I am voting for, and that is not going to change.
However, I will say this election is not simply a choice between two very faulty candidates — the “lesser of two evils,” as many have said — it is a choice between four less-than-ideal candidates.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t vote for a third-party candidate, but even a cursory look at the implications behind their policy plans and their general lack of knowledge places them at the heights of being unqualified to lead our country. That being said, to quote former Republican candidate Ted Cruz: vote your conscience.
Now to my main point. Regardless of who you vote for, you should get out and vote.
So many countries have repressed their citizens’ right to vote for so long, we must take advantage of the opportunity we are presented with.
You are not brave, standing out or making a statement of martyrdom by saying you are not voting because you won’t vote Trump.
You’re simply taking an American privilege for granted and flinging it in the face of those who are unable or who’ve been unable in the past to take part in their political processes.
Even in our own country, women have been able to vote for less than 100 years. It is far too soon for us to be throwing in the towel on our right to vote.
For example, Saudi Arabia only granted women the right to vote in municipal elections or run for office last year.
This is the first time their voices can be heard and matter in the political process of their country. We cannot even imagine how that feels.
Other examples include Zimbabwe in 2013. They delayed elections because they could not afford to host them.
Places like the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon still have limited suffrage, and in the Dominican Republic, members of the armed forces cannot even vote.
We should relish the opportunity to have a say in our political process, whether or not we are in love with the candidates.
Regardless of whether or not you think the electoral system will represent your views, your vote doesn’t matter or whatever other reasoning you use, you must exercise this right.
And in the end, ideally, a candidate will be selected that is both qualified and capable of leading our country down the right path for the better.
While it is now too late to register to vote in most places, my hope is that those of you who are registered take the time to decide who you feel comfortable voting for and place that vote by or on Election Day. If you do not, you aren’t taking a stand, you’re taking a step backward.
macwhitt@umail.iu.edu
