Every 2-4 years, the U.S will hold an election for the citizens to exercise their right to vote. Sometimes people choose not to vote. Some people often ask if their vote actually counts in the election. Why do I have to vote if it really doesn’t count? Why does it matter? Well your votes go to get counted by the count electors that’s in Congress. Have you ever wondered what could possibly happen if you don’t exercise your right to vote?

It could affect many rights that some people have, like having the right of being free or having the ability of having freedom of speech. People decide not to vote because of their busy schedule, or because of how bad the candidates are. Most people might not have trust in democracy or in political leaders due to what they believe in. They often fear that politicians wouldn’t make the right decision for the country.

In the past, many didn’t have the chance to vote. Women couldn’t vote until 1920 when the 19th amendment was passed. That means women had the right to vote for themselves. African American men didn’t have the right to vote until the government passed the 15th amendment in 1869, but ratified in 1870.

Sometimes voting doesn’t mean voting for the perfect leader. It means voting for your rights such as healthcare, education, immigration, and more. In order to vote in the U.S you have to be at least 18 years of age. The president can only run for 2 terms, in other words 8 years. 

The presidential election was held on Nov. 6 where president-elect Donald Trump and vice president Kamala Harris went head to head to become the 47th president of the United States. On the day of the Election U.S citizens got the chance to vote locally on who they believe should be president. In order for the candidates to win the election they would need to secure at least 270 votes from the electoral college. 

In the electoral college there are 538 electors. The candidate would have to get the majority of the state for them to win the state as a whole. Local voting takes place where you live like counties and cities. 

The next presidential election is in 2028. If you live in a country that gives you freedom of speech and plenty of opportunities, take advantage of it and register to vote. Voting is more than a privilege, it’s a right that you have.