Why Americans should vote - Essay Example

Why Americans Should Vote Why Americans Should Vote For the common American, voting is the most effective way of getting their opinions heard and making sure that their voice matters. Whether it is the local elections or the nation-wide presidential primaries, thousands of Americans use their right to vote during these elections. The elected officials are the ones with the most number of people behind their views and aspirations for the country. Once elected, the officials get to put their plans in action, and thus America moves forward by the will of its people; democratically (Friedman & Namba 2012).

Unfortunately, only about 64% of the American population voted in the last elections despite it being so high profile. Almost all the Americans had reservations about how the war on terrorism, hurricane Katrina and a myriad of other issues were handled during the Bush administration. But not many bothered to make their voices heard. Although it is interesting that this was the highest turnout of public for elections in the last 4 elections (File & Crissey, 2010).Americans fought long and hard for the right to vote.

Later on American women, African- Americans and other minorities also struggled to give a voice to their opinions. Now though many Americans do not use this voice to change America for the better and instead choose to complain how wrong everything is. It is important to vote because our ancestors believed that Americans are intelligent enough to choose their own leaders and because they wanted to make sure that their coming generations had all the liberties and opportunities that only a democracy could grant.

It is important that this right is not taken for granted (Isler 2001).The biggest argument in favor of elections is that those who do not participate in elections have no right to complain about its outcome. A person may be passionate about the issue of abortion and teenage pregnancies; another may feel strongly about a teacher’s pay scale in America. These people have to find a candidate that is standing to uphold views that they feel strongly about and vote for them. Elected officials make important decisions about the American society.

Therefore, it is essential that they have the support from a majority of that very authority in order to successfully implement these decisions (Frantzich n.d.) Americans should vote because their vote is an essential investment in the better future of the American society. It must be understood that the policy makers of America are selected through elections only. So in order to influence the American lifestyle positively, the Americans should vote for a person who will make lives easier for the common man.

Voting also gives a person the right to ask questions and complain if their elected representative does not deliver on the promises made. Voting is democracy in action. In conclusion, Americans must vote because it is a constitutional right that many people fought for. If nothing else it should be upheld in their respect. Secondly, only by exercising the right to vote can a person make positive contribution to the law and policy making. And lastly, Americans get the right to choose how they would like the society to grow and develop, by voting for the right government.

Thus, the Americans should utilize this privilege and vote for the best candidate for the development and progress of their country.ReferencesFile, T., & Crissey, S. (2010).Voting and registration in the election of November 2008. U.S. Census Bureau, Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division. Retrieved from: http://www.census.gov/prod/2010pubs/p20-562.pdfFrantzich, S. (n.d.). Why is it important to vote? Congress Link, The Dirksen Congressional Center. Retrieved from: http://www.congresslink.

org/print_expert_vote.htmFriedman, M.J., & Namba, N. (2012). USA Elections In Brief. U.S. Department of State. Bureau of International Information Program. Retrieved from: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/amgov/30145/publications-english/USA_Elections_InBrief.pdfIsler, C. (2001). The right to vote. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, Inc.