Who runs the country? Voters! Who runs the country? Voters, including 18-year-olds! Every single person in the world has an opinion, however, not every single person in the world is able to make their opinion heard. American citizens run this country. How do Americans run it? They vote to make their opinion heard. So, as an 18-year-old student eligible to vote, is it important to vote?

The Bell staff voted 100% yes, it is important to vote. Our country is fortunate to have the opportunity to vote for how it is run and its representatives. It is considered a privilege and civic duty for Americans to vote and one staff member believed 18-year-old voters should take advantage of that right and not take it for granted. This is an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves. For example, if not all of the citizens tell the government whether they want chocolate or vanilla, how will the government know which cake to get?

If the government were to get a vanilla cake, no choco-crazed citizen has the right to complain if they didn’t make their voice heard. Citizens are getting the opportunity and right to be the change they want to see. If they don’t participate, then this is implying that they don’t care and don’t have an opinion. Government is viewed as ‘for the people by the people.’ It would be hard for the government to be ‘by the people’ if the people don’t participate. However, this doesn’t mean a citizen should just close their eyes and check a box or be influenced by the people around them.

If a person is able to vote, they should educate themselves. This means learning about the pros and cons of each candidate and seeing who’s opinions they align themselves with the most. Once someone forms their opinion, they should not be ashamed of what they believe in. Whether or not a person wishes to share their political opinion is another thing.

Soldiers fight and die in order for Americans to have the freedom and the right to vote and to voice their opinion. For other countries, this is not a reality. Some citizens in other countries literally risk their lives in order to vote, or to advocate for their right to vote. Because of this, by voting, Americans are celebrating their freedom by going to the ballot box.

What if someone does not know who to vote for, or genuinely does not care? This is the slight bump in the road. The Bell staff agreed that if that person can not form their own opinion, despite their research, or they do not care, then it would probably be best to just not vote. Voting on an issue or voting for someone to lead the country is not something to be taken lightly.

The Bell staff unanimously agreed 20-0 that yes, it is important to vote. The staff encourages all of those who are able to vote to educate themselves, register to vote and make their voice heard on November 8. Celebrate your right to give your opinion, because you do have one.