As a part of our "Essays" section,
the views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
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It is almost Nov. 5th, which means the official presidential election is right around the corner. After months of political discourse between our two candidates, it is finally time to elect our 48th President of the United States.
Politics can be a touchy topic, especially around this time of year. The holidays, surrounded by family and friends, are not always filled with joy once those big discussions get brought up over Thanksgiving dinner.
However, just because the subject of politics continues to be a bit sensitive, doesn’t mean that those discussions are not necessary. In fact, politics should be discussed, because it is a means of educating others, airing out our opinions, and ultimately one of the best ways for us to make a difference in our world.
Unfortunately, due to the sensitivity of this topic, many people choose to avoid politics altogether: this includes avoiding the right to exercise their votes. Our vote is one of the most powerful and fortunate tools that we have at our disposal as US citizens and it would be wasteful to ignore moments like these.
As a first-year student at FSU, this is the first and only presidential election that I have had the ability to participate in. While it may seem a tad 'nerdy,' I was ecstatic to show up to the polls and place my vote for early voting.
If you have not yet voted and you are experiencing some hesitation, no need to worry. There are plenty of resources that can fill you in on all of the intricacies of this year’s ballot, the process of voting in your town, mail-in ballots, and political candidates.
Voting Resources
If you are looking for a bit more background on our presidential candidates, it is a great idea to do some research first.
This goes for every voter, because news outlets can all experience their fair share of biases, and it is important that we are educating ourselves properly before casting our votes. Vote Smart is a great website for factual information on presidential candidates.
You can search for individual candidates, like Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, and the website will provide you with information on the candidate’s background, positions, ratings, funding, education, and other facts.
Another good option for voting resources – checking your voter registration, what’s on your ballot, your polling place, etc. – is Vote 411.
Finally, if you are not certain how the voting process works or what voting really means in our government, check out USA Gov for detailed information on the presidential election, electoral college, primaries, and more.
Voting In Tallahassee
For FSU Students, voting is an option for you. If you are still not sure how to vote outside of your hometown, or even what you are voting for, make sure you check out the many resources available to you.
Her Campus, a women-centric magazine at FSU, has plenty of articles on navigating voting in Tallahassee. Make sure to check out their guides on local voting, as well.
Reminders
Before you cast your vote, keep in mind these reminders:
Voting is a privilege, not a chore. We are not being forced to vote as US citizens. We are being given the opportunity to make a difference, so it is important that we exercise this right.
You are not obligated to share your vote with other people. Your vote is just that – your vote! You can choose to discuss your political views, but you have every right to keep your decisions private.
On that same note, be careful in regard to peer pressure. Especially for young voters, it is hard to make such a big decision on your own and it is imperative that you make that decision yourself, without the opinions of your parents or even your friend group weighing down on you. It is okay to discuss politics, of course, but we do not have to vote for what our friends and family believe in.
Voting day is Nov. 5th, next Tuesday so – if you have not already — make sure you get out there and vote!
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