Why You Should Vote

With our state’s primary election just around the corner and with this being a Presidential election year, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about many of the reasons why it’s important to vote. I have to admit, I did not run out and register to vote as soon as I turned 18.  In fact, I don’t think I voted for the first time until I was in my late 20s.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize how very important it is that we all vote and take part in the democratic process.  Here are some of the reasons why:

1. So that you have someone representing you who stands for the same beliefs and ideas that you have.

2. To be part of the decision making process.  You do have a voice and you have the right to be heard.  Sometimes we hear that “it doesn’t matter” or “my vote doesn’t count” when, in fact, this is not true, especially if it is an election on a local level such as a school board representative, a sheriff, a mayor, or anyone who will be directing affecting your community.

3. We are privileged to live in a country in which we are allowed to vote and take part in the democratic process.  Men and women fought hard to give us the right to vote.  There are many, many countries whose citizens do not have this privilege or any voice in their government or the decision making process.

4. It affects your future. The representatives you put in office are making decisions now that will impact your future and the future of your children.

5. Voting gives you the opportunity to change something you don’t like in favor of something you do like.

These are just a few of the reasons you should vote.  If you are not registered to vote in the upcoming primary, you have until April 19 to get registered.  Registering is easy—you can visit your local County Clerk’s office to fill out and submit a voter registration form, or you can now do it online through the Secretary of State’s office, at the following link:  https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register.

So let your voice be heard and vote!

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