Why You Should Vote This Coming Election
- Ritti Bhogal
- Oct 9, 2020
- 3 min read
Ritti Bhogal
10.9.20
As our senses start registering the scent of the 2020 Presidential Election coming our way, it’s time we remind ourselves of our civic duty as citizens of the United States of America: specifically why everyone who is eligible needs to vote.
45% of people didn’t vote in the last election
Let’s take a look at the 2016 Presidential Election popular vote count shown in the table above. As we can see, 62,979,636 votes were cast in favor of Donald Trump, whereas 65,844,610 votes were in favor of Hilary Clinton. However, this means that 102,107,675 eligible voters chose not to vote in the 2016 Presidential Election. To make that number easier to visualize, that’s approximately 44% of eligible voters. The most glaring statistic is that neither candidate amassed more than 45% of votes out of all eligible voters. Clinton only gained the support of 29% of all voters, and Trump with only 27%. It’s as if that 44% of people who chose not to vote for either candidate are represented by someone who isn’t running in the race. The lack of participation raises unease for this year’s elections, but it also gives credit to the argument that a two-party system doesn’t adhere to constitutional democracy. However, that topic can be covered in a later issue. The main concern here is that a vast majority of eligible voters in the 2016 Presidential Election probably believed that their vote didn’t count, but that simply isn’t true. That 44% of American citizens constitute nearly half of all eligible voters and, by all means, their vote matter would have mattered had they made a choice between Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton, especially considering the tiny gap between their popular vote totals.
If the statistics didn’t startle you enough, here are some friendly reminders as to why those who are eligible should vote . . .
Elections have consequences
The Presidential Election determines who signs bills into law, conducts foreign policy, has final authority over military operations, appoints federal judges, and more. When someone takes the responsibility of being President, that person is granted access to this power for 4 years, or 1,460 days. The laws that may be passed within this time frame could have consequences that last beyond those four years, which is why everyone must realize the nationwide impact of the election is the exact reason why we must vote in it.
Choosing not to vote is giving up your voice
When people who are eligible to vote do not participate in the election, they do themselves a disservice more than to anyone else. Voting is our primary method of engaging with the officials who are running for office, as voting tells them who the public supports(or in some cases, who the public doesn’t support). By choosing not to take advantage of the direct communication line we have with our representatives, we nearly cut all communication off completely.
Those who aren’t eligible to vote depend on those who can
If you’re still struggling to request a ballot, then do so on behalf of those who can’t. Think of your communities, friends, family, and anyone who could benefit from your vote in the coming election. While the vote belongs to you, it affects you and your loved ones, regardless of whether they can vote or not.
What else are we doing at STEM to get people to vote?
STEM Dems and JSA are partnering up to hold a nonpartisan voter registration drive to encourage STEM seniors to vote. They are asking all seniors to fill out this survey indicating their voter registration status, and it is recommended for all seniors to send in a response.
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