In
his Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln called democracy “government of
the people, by the people and for the people.” It means that we are not
here to serve our government, but that our government is here to serve
us — and we have the right to decide who will represent us and how we
want to be represented. It means that we have one of the greatest
rights any free people can have: the right to vote.
Voting is a right that, throughout history, many have fought for and
sacrificed everything to achieve. It’s a right that people continue to
fight for and that millions of people throughout the world still do not
enjoy. As Americans, we have the great privilege to live in a free
society and voting is the right that makes us free.
Why Should I Vote?
Maybe you’re asking yourself, “With all the millions of people who vote
in any given election, does my vote really count?” Or perhaps you feel
like you can’t really make a difference, so why bother? The truth is
that your vote does count and you do make a difference every time you
vote!
Your vote holds your local and national leaders responsible for the
decisions they make. Your vote sends a message about the issues you
think are important. Your vote affirms our rights as free citizens to
elect our government and take part in democracy. Without voting, there
could be no democracy.
Maybe you know other people who choose not to vote because they feel
like what goes on in the government doesn’t affect them. The truth is,
it does…in many ways. Elected officials make all sorts of decisions
that can directly affect your life. The President and Congress you
elect will decide whether to raise or lower taxes, make economic
policies that could affect your job and decide when or if to use
military force. There are also local elections, which can have an even
more immediate and personal effect on you, your lifestyle and your
community.
Vote because you care about your community. Vote because you believe in
free government and want to add your voice. Vote because it will make
you feel good to participate and have a say. Vote because it’s the
right thing to do!
Young People and Voting
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years
of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United
States or by any State on account of age.
— 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution
In 1971, the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution gave
everyone 18 years of age or older the right to vote. The Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania considers getting out the youth vote to be of great
importance and is committed to providing the education and resources
necessary to encourage young people to register and vote.
As more young people register to vote and head out to the polls, the
more you will see your elected officials taking an active interest in
what’s important to young voters. This is already happening and you can
make a difference by casting your vote and encouraging your friends to
do the same | |
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