BY SUMMER CRANDALL

We’ve all heard the person who doesn’t want to get involved in political conversations because of controversy, along with many who don’t vote. The saying “your vote doesn’t matter” has been said much more in recent years and actually acted upon. 

Ahealthierdemocracy says In the United States, a staggering 72 million Americans are eligible to vote but remain unregistered. This means only one third of eligible voters voted in the 2024 election. Voting is such an important participating act that keeps democracy America has built. 

Why is the voter turnout in recent years so low? Well take Megan Davis The 31-year-old massage therapist in Rhode Island as a prime example. She told npr.org/ that she never votes, and she’s proud of her record. “I feel like my voice doesn’t matter”. This isn’t just an isolated event 

Others avoid voting because politics feels divisive or overwhelming. The constant stream of negative news, partisan conflict, and misinformation can make civic engagement feel exhausting. Some citizens also face practical barriers such as limited time, confusion about registration deadlines, or lack of trust in the system. When people feel disconnected from the process, they are less likely to participate.

The idea that one vote does not matter overlooks history. Many elections including local and state races have been decided by extremely small margins. Local elections in particular can be decided by dozens or even single digit vote differences. Policies that shape everyday life, such as school funding, community safety etc , are often determined at the local level where turnout is lowest. When fewer people vote, each individual vote actually carries more weight.

Voting is more than choosing a candidate; it is an act of participation in the democratic system. It signals that citizens care about the direction of their communities and their country. If people do not vote, they give up their opportunity to influence decisions that directly affect their lives. While no system is perfect, change only happens when people engage with it. Democracy was built on the principle that power comes from the people. Choosing not to vote allows others to make decisions in your place. Even if it feels small, casting a ballot is one of the clearest ways to make your voice heard and to protect the freedoms and opportunities that define the nation.