The impact of voting in one of the most historic elections in modern history.
Oh, 2020.
At the start of this year, I hoped it would bring a lot of growth and learning. And 2020 has certainly delivered. Not in the way I, or anyone, expected, of course. In hindsight, looking back at some of the resolutions and expectations I had for this year is almost laughable.
How did I assume everything would be so normal?
Instead of learning through my typical college experience on campus, studying abroad, or any other means I expected, I learned about humanity and resilience through a distinctive moment in history experienced by all of us at once.
From the coronavirus pandemic to the Black Lives Matter movement, in 2020 we are watching history being made right in front of us. This year has not been easy for anyone, but I have been so inspired in seeing how we have adapted and remained resilient through these crises. Many of us have learned what’s really important to us, and to appreciate and stand up for those values. We are learning to build our own stories. Though difficult and tragic, this year offers an excellent reminder that you cannot control what unpredictable circumstances life throws your way, but you can control how you react to them, and you can control how you build your story.
In fact, we each have a role in the history we collectively build. And one of the simplest ways to do your part in the history we are building is to vote.
Your vote in the general election determines not only the President, but also the Vice President and the rest of the Cabinet. Cabinet positions include the Attorney General, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Homeland Security, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and so many more. Not to mention, two potential Supreme Court seats will be in the hands of the next president.
Of course, voting doesn’t solve everything. There is a concerning degree of voter suppression efforts disproportionately affecting minorities and people of color. We cannot deny this is unacceptable. The U.S. Postal Service is under threat as we are in the midst of a global pandemic and anticipating a major presidential election. This is also unacceptable, and makes exercising your right to vote in this election all the more crucial. Complacency sets the stage for a significant weakening of our democracy. I believe we are at a turning point where we can decide what kind of citizens we’re going to be — we can change the narrative of young people not caring or getting involved with politics. In fact, the largest share of the voting population will be millennial and Gen Z voters in 2020. We can decide what kind of generation we’re going to be, and I believe we can make a great change.
So I urge you, take control of your history and vote!
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about voting or if you would like to sign up to register voters in Florida.
Voter registration link: https://www.usa.gov/voter-registration