Your Voice (and Vote) Matters

By Kimberly Seals

Morale is one of the biggest obstacles keeping Americans away from the polls. Sadly, one of the main reasons Americans did not vote in the last election was because they did not think their vote would matter. However, it is this defeated attitude that continues to sustain the status quo. Voting will not instantaneously fix the many structural issues in this country. However, it is still an integral form of resistance. Why else would voter suppression be so well funded?

Your vote does make a difference

With the electoral college and the other laws surrounding the presidential election, it is easy to understand why people would believe their vote doesn’t matter. However, focusing only on presidential elections does your community a disservice. One of the best ways to make our voices heard is to elect officials who support structural change. Our local elections are just as important as the presidential one and will likely be more directly impactful on your life.

Change won’t happen overnight

Although it may not feel like resistance, voting is an important aspect of creating any impactful change. At the very least, exercising your right to vote sends a message that the people are ready and willing to stand up for what they believe in and will no longer silently look on at atrocities. The opposition doesn’t need to earn your support, only your complacency.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

~Desmond Tutu