No matter what political party you support (or even if you don't feel an allegiance to any particular party), it is undeniable that elections are unpredictable. There is no such thing as a sure thing, no matter what polls may suggest as a foregone conclusion. Here are just some of the reasons why you may want to consider registering to vote.
If you are a citizen of the United States who are at least 18 years of age and meet your state's residency requirements, you are likely eligible to vote. If so, it's your right to vote, and you owe it to yourself to use this right. After all, everybody is ultimately going to have to face the consequences of the election. Why not use your right for the candidate you think is best?
It's important to appreciate the right to vote. Not all people have been able to do so. Women were only eligible to vote as recently as August 18, 1920. Thanks to the tireless efforts of suffragettes like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony, women now have the right to vote. Honor their activism and sacrifices by using that hard-earned right.
Sadly, PBS reports that millions of people aren't voting. Just over 58 percent of eligible voters actually used their vote in the 2016 election, and only about half of millennial voters turned out at the polls. That means that millions of voices are silenced, and the outcomes of elections may not truly reflect what the majority of citizens would want.
If you want to have a say in how your local, state, and the federal government is run, you need to take voting seriously. That starts with registering to vote and then showing up at the polls to vote in each election. That way, you will know that you are not one of the statistics of people who are throwing away their opportunity to stand up for what they believe in with their vote.
Taking the time to register to vote is as simple as going to a place that offers voter registration, then filling out a form and providing some basic information. It really is that simple. It takes very little time, too. You don't have to worry about committing an entire afternoon to registering to vote or even voting itself when the election day comes.
Don't put it off, though. Nearly every state has a registration deadline, and you could miss out altogether if you wait until it's too close to an election to register to vote. Try to take a few minutes out to register as soon as you can. It will be one less thing on your list, and you can feel a great sense of accomplishment over something that's quick, easy, and totally painless.
While there is power in numbers, it is true that every single vote matters. You can send a strong message with your vote that you want to see changes in the country. If you take the time to read up on the issues, visit the politicians' websites, ask questions when you don't understand a politician's stance and vote with your head and heart, you can make a big difference.
Finally, after you register to vote, be sure to rock your vote when election day rolls around. After registering to vote, you may even find yourself anticipating each election. Motor Vehicle Tag Agency is there to help you quickly and easily register to vote whenever it's most convenient for you.