EDITORIAL: Listen up, a vote is a voice

Casting a ballot in the 2016 election is essential

The 2016 election is here; it is unavoidable and it is crucial that teachers and students alike follow the campaign. Speaking directly to our subscribers over eighteen years old, we strongly encourage you to use your constitutional rights and vote. To not vote is to be silent about the outcome of your future; casting a vote is an integral part of our nation’s democracy, and we cannot stress enough that your voice does matter.

Some may reason that neither candidate is fit for office and they do not want to vote because they cannot face seeing either of them in the White House. However, an outcome is inevitable, so your vote would be a more effective contribution than protesting against the candidates by refraining from voting. After all, the president elected will play a significant role in the actions of the government over the course of their four or more years in the White House. So play a role in determining your future, because a vote is a voice, no matter how small it may seem.

The importance of voting lies within the creed of our nation. In 1788 when the U.S. Constitution was first enacted, a modern democracy was adopted. To honor the values of our country, voting and participating in elections is truly essential. Upholding the freedoms of the United States is in the hands of the people; citizens must participate in our nation’s politics to ensure a government that is representative of the people.

Though you may not ally completely with any candidates in this year’s race, find the candidate whose views are the closest to your own.

Some people know exactly what their beliefs are, but others may not be as confident in their beliefs. To figure out where your political allegiances lie, determine where your moral interests lie.

There are many online quizzes that can help you determine your political alliance by asking questions about a person’s moral compass. For example, the Pew Research Center offers a political typology test that will show your position on the political spectrum. Even if the results don’t provide an adequate analysis of your political views, the questions will prompt introspective thinking long after the quiz.

Though you may not ally completely with any candidates in this year’s race, find the candidate whose views are the closest to your own. The reality is that politics are never black and white. You may never fully agree with a candidate, but there is likely a candidate you agree with more than the others, or at least a candidate you dislike the least.

To those who have prematurely cast their vote: thank you. And when the voting booths open on November 8, we at the Algonquin Harbinger hope all of our subscribers who can vote will vote. Whether your political views are satisfied with this year’s election or not, take solace in knowing you exercised your right and voted in the 2016 election.

The unsigned editorial reflects the views of The Editorial Board.