Molly Raley, Managing Editor

With elections right around the corner, it is important for voters to understand the importance of the voting process. Being a registered voter, means being a part of something bigger and better than oneself. It is a way for everyone to use their amendment rights and have their sole voice heard. Even though it is not technically heard by the ear, a single vote can help win or lose an election for one candidate. Turning eighteen and having the privilege to register to vote can mean using your own opinions to essentially elect a person to a government office. The positions being voted upon may run from a district judge to the highest rank of United States President. Even though some say the Electoral College has ruined the individuality of the election process, it is still a way for everyone to be involved in the nation’s issues without actually having to move to Washington D.C. Voting is a major part of being a United States citizen. Voting was originally meant for rich, white males but eventually the country changed the criteria for voting. Now, anyone and everyone can not only vote but are encouraged to voice their opinions about specific candidates and parties. Speaking of parties, it is unimportant to me what party a person is associated with. Registering with a party is part of the registering process but it’s not necessarily part of the voting process. For me, being a democrat doesn’t mean voting strictly democrat. I may or may not agree with what the democratic candidate believes or says. Just because I am a democrat doesn’t automatically mean I am voting democrat. Voting for the person not the party is a very crucial part of the voting process for me. Democrats, republicans and even individuals have their own views and beliefs just like everyone in this wonderful country. Just because you are associated with one party on paper doesn’t mean you automatically have to agree with what the candidates say. Straight party voting is something that is slowly dwindling because of the independent nature of the younger generation. I love this aspect of voting because it causes the younger minds to engage themselves in the political world and understand who and what they are voting for not just the party. Older generations seem to fall under the “party spell”. They all seem to find a party that they agree with and stick to that for the rest of their lives. I’m not saying this is a bad way of doing things but voting for a certain party makes the voting process somewhat easy. I don’t think when our ancestors wrote and signed the Constitution they intended to form an easy voting policy. That could be why only rich, white males were the only ones allowed to vote at the time. Not saying they were the only ones smart enough to make those kinds of decisions but to them that was the best option. Furthermore, the voting process is something that every American shouldn’t take for granted. It is something that was implemented by our founding fathers and something from them that we can still use to this day. Voting is a duty for every American citizen and it should be taken very seriously. So, I encourage everyone to vote. No matter if you know the candidates or not, do your research, know what you are voting for and help make a difference. Like I have heard many people say before, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.” So get out there and make a difference. The world needs more complaining.