is voting important essay

Why Voting Is Important

“Voting is your civic duty.” This is a pretty common sentiment, especially each November as Election Day approaches. But what does it really mean? And what does it mean for Americans in particular?

Social Studies, Civics, U.S. History

Americans Voting

Typically in the United States, national elections draw large numbers of voters compared to local elections.

Hill Street Studios

A History of Voting in the United States Today, most American citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in federal and state elections , but voting was not always a default right for all Americans. The United States Constitution, as originally written, did not define specifically who could or could not vote—but it did establish how the new country would vote. Article 1 of the Constitution determined that members of the Senate and House of Representatives would both be elected directly by popular vote . The president, however, would be elected not by direct vote, but rather by the Electoral College . The Electoral College assigns a number of representative votes per state, typically based on the state’s population. This indirect election method was seen as a balance between the popular vote and using a state’s representatives in Congress to elect a president. Because the Constitution did not specifically say who could vote, this question was largely left to the states into the 1800s. In most cases, landowning white men were eligible to vote, while white women, black people, and other disadvantaged groups of the time were excluded from voting (known as disenfranchisement ).

While no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a problem in many parts of the country. Some politicians try to win re election by making it harder for certain populations and demographics to vote. These politicians may use strategies such as reducing polling locations in predominantly African American or Lantinx neighborhoods, or only having polling stations open during business hours, when many disenfranchised populations are working and unable to take time off. It was not until the 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 that black men were allowed to vote. But even so, many would-be voters faced artificial hurdles like poll taxes , literacy tests, and other measures meant to discourage them from exercising their voting right. This would continue until the 24th Amendment in 1964, which eliminated the poll tax , and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended Jim Crow laws. Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the long efforts of the women’s suffrage movement resulted in the 19th Amendment. With these amendments removing the previous barriers to voting (particularly sex and race), theoretically all American citizens over the age of 21 could vote by the mid 1960s. Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote. With these constitutional amendments and legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the struggle for widespread voting rights evolved from the Founding Fathers’ era to the late 20th century. Why Your Vote Matters If you ever think that just one vote in a sea of millions cannot make much of a difference, consider some of the closest elections in U.S. history. In 2000, Al Gore narrowly lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush. The election came down to a recount in Florida, where Bush had won the popular vote by such a small margin that it triggered an automatic recount and a Supreme Court case ( Bush v. Gore ). In the end, Bush won Florida by 0.009 percent of the votes cast in the state, or 537 votes. Had 600 more pro-Gore voters gone to the polls in Florida that November, there may have been an entirely different president from 2000–2008. More recently, Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016 by securing a close Electoral College win. Although the election did not come down to a handful of votes in one state, Trump’s votes in the Electoral College decided a tight race. Clinton had won the national popular vote by nearly three million votes, but the concentration of Trump voters in key districts in “swing” states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan helped seal enough electoral votes to win the presidency. Your vote may not directly elect the president, but if your vote joins enough others in your voting district or county, your vote undoubtedly matters when it comes to electoral results. Most states have a “winner take all” system where the popular vote winner gets the state’s electoral votes. There are also local and state elections to consider. While presidential or other national elections usually get a significant voter turnout, local elections are typically decided by a much smaller group of voters. A Portland State University study found that fewer than 15 percent of eligible voters were turning out to vote for mayors, council members, and other local offices. Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful. How You Can Make Your Voice Heard If you are not yet 18, or are not a U.S. citizen, you can still participate in the election process. You may not be able to walk into a voting booth, but there are things you can do to get involved:

• Be informed! Read up on political issues (both local and national) and figure out where you stand.
• Get out and talk to people. Even if you cannot vote, you can still voice opinions on social media, in your school or local newspaper, or other public forums. You never know who might be listening.
• Volunteer. If you support a particular candidate, you can work on their campaign by participating in phone banks, doing door-to-door outreach, writing postcards, or volunteering at campaign headquarters. Your work can help get candidates elected, even if you are not able to vote yourself.

Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, last updated.

October 19, 2023

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Most Americans say it’s very important to vote to be a good member of society

Around seven-in-ten U.S. adults (69%) say it’s very important to vote in elections to be a good member of society – more than say the same about any of the other activities included in a Pew Research Center survey conducted earlier this year.

By comparison, fewer than half of Americans say it’s very important to get a COVID-19 vaccine (44%), to make choices that help reduce the effects of global climate change (42%), or to follow what’s happening in politics in their own country (37%) to be a good member of society. Fewer – around two-in-ten – say it’s very important to follow current events in other countries (22%) or attend religious services frequently (22%). And only 13% say it’s very important to join demonstrations about issues they think are important to be a good member of society.

This Pew Research Center analysis focuses on U.S. public opinion about what it means to be a good member of society. It is based on a survey of 3,581 U.S. adults conducted from March 21 to 27, 2022. Everyone who took part is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology . Here is the question used in this analysis, along with responses.

The comparison of responses by 2020 voter turnout relies on a measure of validated turnout among citizens who are currently at least 20 years old. Validated voters are citizens who told us that they voted in the 2020 general election and have a record for voting in that election in a commercial voter file. In an effort to accurately locate official voting records, up to three commercial voter files were searched for each panelist. The number of commercial files consulted varies by when a panelist was recruited to the ATP. Three files were used for panelists recruited in 2020 or before, while two were used for panelists recruited in 2021. Here are additional details about the voter validation process .  

Although Republicans and Democrats differ in some views of election rules and procedures , there are no partisan differences in the perceived importance of voting. Around seven-in-ten Democrats and independents who lean toward the Democratic Party (73%) and a similar share of Republicans and GOP leaners (70%) say voting is very important to being a good member of society. Past Pew Research Center surveys have found a similar pattern .

Republicans and Democrats also don’t differ when it comes to the importance of following what is happening in U.S. politics. Around four-in-ten in each party (37% of Republicans and 40% of Democrats) say it’s very important to follow politics to be a good member of society.

When it comes to the importance of following current events in other countries, Democrats are somewhat more likely than Republicans (26% vs. 18%) to say it’s very important. Democrats are also more likely than Republicans to say joining demonstrations is very important (17% vs. 8%), while Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say attending religious services regularly is very important (30% vs. 15%).  

Partisan divides are widest when it comes to the perceived importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine and making choices to reduce the effects of climate change. In both cases, Democrats are more than 40 percentage points more likely than Republicans to see it as very important to being a good member of society. As Pew Research Center has previously found , the partisan gap in the perceived importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the largest in the United States out of 19 countries surveyed this year. Climate change is also a key dividing line, with Democrats far more likely than Republicans to see it as a major threat .

Older and younger Americans diverge over what they see as very important for being a good member of society. Generally speaking, older people are more likely than younger people to find nearly all of the activities asked about to be very important. When it comes to voting, for example, 86% of those ages 65 and older say it’s very important, compared with around half (47%) of those under 30. On only two activities – making choices that help reduce the effects of climate change and joining demonstrations about issues people think are important – are older and younger people about equally likely to say it’s crucial for being a good member of society.

Americans with at least a college degree or more education are more likely than those without a college degree to see voting and getting a COVID-19 vaccine as very important. The opposite is true when it comes to attending religious services regularly, and there are no educational differences when it comes to the perceived importance of the other activities asked about in the survey.

2020 voter turnout was highest among those who see voting as very important

Do Americans who see voting as very important to being a good member of society actually follow through and vote? A separate analysis of 2020 turnout data suggests that the answer is yes.

Among those who say it’s very important to vote in order to be a good member of society, the vast majority (79%) cast a ballot in the 2020 election. Among those who say it’s somewhat important to vote to be a good member of society, far fewer (43%) cast a ballot in 2020. And around three-in-ten of those who see voting as either not too important (33%) or not important at all (30%) opted to vote in 2020.

Of course, there are many reasons why some Americans may not have cast a ballot in 2020, even if they generally see voting as an important civic duty.

• Political & Civic Engagement
• Political Ideals & Systems
• Voter Participation

Laura Silver is an associate director focusing on global attitudes at Pew Research Center .

Tuning Out: Americans on the Edge of Politics

Attitudes on an interconnected world, turnout in 2022 house midterms declined from 2018 high, final official returns show, what makes someone a good member of society, turnout in u.s. has soared in recent elections but by some measures still trails that of many other countries, most popular.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

© 2024 Pew Research Center

15 Reasons Why You Should Vote in the US Election

Every four years, the United States holds an election for president. Congressional elections occur every two years, while various state and local elections happen every year. While some rules vary, you’re typically eligible to vote if you’re a U.S. citizen, meet state residency requirements, register to vote, and are 18 years old on or before Election Day. Why is it important to vote? In this article, we’ll explore 15 reasons why you should vote in US elections, including elections in 2024.

  #1. Voting impacts the future

In the US, one person gets one vote. It may feel like your vote doesn’t matter. What can one person do to change the future? Voting for things you believe in does matter. The main reason is that when people organize around an issue and all make their voices heard, society changes. The other reason is that while your vote can feel meaningless in federal elections, it has a huge impact on smaller, local races. NPR listed a series of races determined by just a few votes , like a 2017 Virginia House of Delegates race. The election was a tie. Officials chose the winner by pulling a name out of a bowl. The Republican was declared the winner, giving the party control of the state House by just one seat. If one more person had shown up to vote in that race, the winner wouldn’t have come down to random chance.

#2. Voting isn’t a right Americans have always had

Millions of Americans vote in elections, but in the past , the number of those eligible was much smaller. In 1789, the U.S. Constitution didn’t even detail specific voting rights, instead leaving it up to the states. Most states only let white, male landowners vote. In 1868, the 14th Amendment established birthright and naturalized citizenship. While the amendment also gave freed enslaved people and Black people citizenship, they still weren’t given voting rights until two years later. Women weren’t given the right to vote until 1920, and in 1965, the Voting Rights Act passed, finally providing more voting right protections. Many people take voting for granted, but it’s the result of centuries of activism and progress.

#3. Voting rights are under threat, and voting can help protect them

Even after years of positive change, voting rights are still under threat. Things like gerrymandering , which is the redrawing of district lines to favor one party over the other, and stricter eligibility requirements are undemocratic. According to a piece from Human Rights Watch, voting rights are also threatened by misinformation, election interference and the intimidation of election officials. In 2023, at least 14 states passed laws making voting harder. Everyone eligible should take advantage of their right to vote and make it clear they want their representatives to protect voting rights. The right to vote is something everyone, regardless of their other beliefs, should fight for.

#4. Voting is an important tool for civic engagement

According to Robert Longley on ThoughtCatalog, civic engagement is “participating in activities intended to improve the quality of life in one’s community.” That includes political activities like voting, as well as non-political activities like volunteering at nonprofits, contributing to food banks, cleaning up public spaces and much more. When everyone participates in civic engagement, more problems are solved, people are more educated on issues in their communities and politicians are held to higher standards. While voting is just one aspect of civic engagement, it’s one of the most important.

#5. Voting is essential to a representative government

In a pure democracy, every American would be responsible for writing legislation, but the US uses a representative form of government. The nation is technically a “ republic ,” which is a form of government where voters choose representatives. These representatives then write and establish laws. A representative government is only successful if as many people as possible vote. This helps create a government truly based on what the people want and need.

#6. Voting holds politicians accountable

Politicians often get a bad rap, and often for good reason. Some get into government just for the money, power, business connections and other perks, while even politicians who started with good intentions can turn their backs on their constituents. When a politician fails to represent the best interests of voters, gets involved in a scandal, or is otherwise doing an unsatisfactory job, voting is the best way to hold them accountable. Before an election, you can make it clear you won’t vote for a politician unless they take certain actions on the issues you care about. If they fail to meet your standards, you can vote them out.

#7. Voting in local elections has direct impacts

Federal elections get the most coverage in the United States, but it’s the smaller state and county-level ones that have the most direct impacts on individual voters. Things like school funding and tax increases are determined locally, so if you want to make your voice heard, you should vote in local elections. As an example, a county in Oregon recently approved a school levy that will pay for classroom teachers and keep class sizes “steady” for the next five years. Homeowners were asked to pay $1.63 out of every $1,000 of assessed property value. Measures like this have a clear impact, so every affected voter should participate in the final decision.

#8. Voting impacts international relations

The outcomes of local elections arguably impact individuals more than federal elections, but that doesn’t mean big elections aren’t important, too. Congress and the president make decisions that affect the country as well as the world. According to the BBC, the US is the “world’s most foremost economic and military power.” It provides ⅕ of the United Nation’s entire budget, while it spent over $816 billion on defense in 2023. On a cultural level, the United States is also one of the most influential nations. By voting and staying engaged politically, you can have a say in the United States’ impact on international relations.

#9. Voting helps you stay informed on issues

Politics can be stressful and confusing. Many people don’t pay close attention to all the issues, so when elections come around, they don’t vote because they don’t feel informed. It’s never too late! When elections are approaching, take a little time to research the candidates and ballot measures in your area. Resources like Ballotpedia , which provides unbiased information on policy, politics and elections, are useful because they’re accessible and free. You don’t have to understand everything about an issue to have an opinion, so use election time to get just enough information to feel comfortable voting.

#10. The United States, which is facing more threats, needs informed voters

As we described earlier, voting rights have been under threat lately, but that’s not the only reason the United States is struggling. America is facing worsening climate change effects, rising homelessness rates , and more bankruptcies , among other issues. Experts have also expressed alarm with the Republican Party’s shift toward authoritarianism.  Former president Donald Trump, who is currently the leading Republican candidate and defendant in four criminal cases, has talked about wanting to be a dictator “for one day ” and indicting political opponents, who he’s called “vermin,” if re-elected. Everyone eligible should vote if they care about where the United States is headed.

#11. Many experts – and voters – believe the future of democracy is at stake

Democracy is never a guarantee, but it’s become a central issue for the United States in recent years. According to the Brookings Institution, “democratic erosion” has two main sources: election manipulation and executive overreach. Donald Trump’s attempt to undermine the results of the 2020 election is the clearest example, but state legislatures have been making it harder to vote for years. When polled, Americans are concerned about the future of democracy. According to one survey, 62% of adults believed democracy will be threatened based on who wins the 2024 presidential elections. With the stakes so high, voting is more important than ever.

#12. Climate issues are on the ballot

Climate change is the world’s most serious problem, and as reports from groups like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change continue to confirm, human activity is driving climate change. Countries like the United States bear the most responsibility. Every election has consequences for climate change policy, so it’s one of the most compelling reasons to vote. Research what candidates on a county, state and federal level believe about climate change and what they plan to do.

#13. Many elections involve reproductive rights

In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe. v. Wade , taking away the federal right to abortion and flipping it back to the states. Several ballot measures either protecting or restricting abortion rights have come up. According to Ballotpedia, Maryland and New York will vote on ballot measures involving reproductive rights in November 2024, while others will no doubt emerge. A politician’s stance on reproductive rights and plans to address them matter more than ever, so it’s important to consider these rights when voting.

#14. Immigration is another important issue

The United States has more immigrants than any other country. The system is overwhelmed. According to NPR, as many as 10,000 people a day reach the US-Mexico border. Immigrants from other places, often forced by conflict and climate change to move, are also arriving in larger and larger numbers. Both of America’s main political parties – the Republicans and Democrats – have struggled to respond, leading to issues like inhumane conditions, family separations, hateful rhetoric and much more. Who Americans elect and what legislation they approve of matter, so immigration is another good reason to vote.

#15. LGBTQ+ rights need protection  

According to NBC, 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills became law in 2023. They include restrictions on transition care for minors, bans on transgender athletes from school sports, limits on teaching about LGBTQ+ issues and more. While those 75 laws represent just 15% of the 500 proposed anti-LGBTQ+ laws proposed in 2023, they still have a significant impact. In a piece for Them , Nico Lang lays out how Republican politicians will continue to threaten LGBTQ+ rights while expanding their fight against transition care to adults. Ballotpedia already lists six ballot measures involving LGBTQ+ rights that will need voter approval in 2024. If you care about LGBTQ+ rights, voting is one of the best ways to protect them.

You may also like

16 Inspiring Civil Rights Leaders You Should Know

15 Trusted Charities Fighting for Housing Rights

15 Examples of Gender Inequality in Everyday Life

11 Approaches to Alleviate World Hunger 

15 Facts About Malala Yousafzai

12 Ways Poverty Affects Society

15 Great Charities to Donate to in 2024

15 Quotes Exposing Injustice in Society

14 Trusted Charities Helping Civilians in Palestine

The Great Migration: History, Causes and Facts

Social Change 101: Meaning, Examples, Learning Opportunities

Rosa Parks: Biography, Quotes, Impact

About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

• Features and Stories
• Extremist Files
• Year in Hate & Extremism
• Case Docket
• Publications
• Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative
• Our Initiatives
• Preventing Youth Radicalization
• Whose Heritage?
• Learning for Justice
• Seeking Justice
• The Experience
• Hate & Extremism
• Children's Rights
• Family Separation
• Rights of Asylum Seekers
• Local Policing and Immigration Enforcement
• Workers’ Rights
• Conversion Therapy
• LGBTQ Youth Rights
• Request for Legal Assistance — Economic Justice
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Voting Rights - AL
• Voting Rights - FL
• Voting Rights - GA
• Voting Rights - LA
• Voting Rights - MS
• Federal Resources and Amicus Briefs
• Hate Group Flyering Map
• Accessibility
• Press Center
• Ways to Give

A life-changing habit: Five reasons why you should vote in every election

Does voting matter? The clear answer is “yes!”

Voting is a key element of civic engagement and a critical part of the democratic process. As the late civil rights icon and U.S. Rep. John Lewis said, “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democracy.” 

Voting can change your life. Here are five reasons to vote: 

In a democracy, you get a say in things that are important to you. Your vote holds elected officials accountable for their actions. It forces them to listen to you and the issues that most concern you. Your vote is your report card on lawmakers. If you’re not content with the job an elected official has done, you can use your vote to remove that official from office.

The policies shaped by elected officials affect your life. While federal elections typically have the largest voter turnouts, voting in your state and local elections is just as important. What happens in your town, city and state will affect your everyday life. Laws at the local level affect taxes, health and public safety, education, recreation, economic development and more. States regulate issues like health care and tenants’ rights. They determine how long children stay in school, manage infrastructure, spur job creation and do much more.

You pay taxes. Your vote gives power to the people who will spend your tax money . Help ensure that money is used in a responsible and efficient way by voting.

Rights are not necessarily guaranteed . Voting is one of the many privileges of living in a democratic society. While every American citizen has the right to vote today, we are seeing attacks on voting equity , including gerrymandering, voting restrictions, misinformation and election intimidation. Voting is a critical right we must protect, and that begins by exercising our right to vote in elections at every level of government.

You matter. Young voters bring diverse points of view on issues affecting their generation. Engaging in the process early will help make it a habit throughout your life, providing you with the opportunity to shape the future.

Bernadette Kinlaw is a copy editor for the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Voting in American Politics: A Syllabus

From battles to expand the franchise to the mysteries of turnout, voting is one of the most important things to understand about U.S. politics.

Even though it’s a cornerstone of representative democracy in U.S. politics, the right to vote expanded very slowly—and not without a fight in most cases. Today, voting is still contested, as some states have limited the franchise through redistricting, closing polling places, requiring official ID to vote, and other means.

Every time we get ready for an election, voting is on our minds. But those thoughts can be vague and lack historical and political context. With this syllabus, we hope to provide motivation to learn more—and to turn out!

Elections and Power

Voting and governing are different things, but both entail power. Our election system reflects that, but elections themselves can be convoluted processes in themselves.

Why Do We Vote by Secret Ballot?

Electoral College 101

Time for Reform of the Electoral College?

Is Gerrymandering to Blame for Our Polarized Politics?

Enfranchisement Is the Only Route to Security

Why Do They Build Party Platforms, Anyway?

Just How Unrepresentative Are the Iowa Caucuses?

The Accidental Presidents of the United States

The Midterms That Changed America

“It’s the psychology, stupid.” What really decides elections?

Ballot Position: It Matters

Fighting for the right to vote.

It took a Civil War for Black men to get the right to vote. Millions were enfranchised when women got the vote in 1920, but Black women were mostly excluded from voting due to legal discrimination. Removing these injustices took both organizing and militance.

The Voting Rights Act at 50

Susan B. Anthony on Her Revolutionary Foremothers

Free Love and the First Female Presidential Nominee

The Significance of Shirley Chisholm’s Presidential Campaign

New Jersey Let (Some) Women Vote from 1776 to 1807

Revisiting Reconstruction

Race Has Always Affected the Vote

How Women’s Suffrage Has Been Represented in American Film

The Voting Rights Act 1965: Annotated

Voting Rights for People Convicted of Felonies

Who are voters.

Political scientists puzzle over the question for good reason: understanding voters, and voting, provides the kind of knowledge that can help citizens access the polls and exercise the kind of power that voting gives them.

How to Get People to Vote

Creating the Voter Fraud Myth

The Case for Lowering the Voting Age

Would Formerly Incarcerated People Vote Democratic?

How Class Conflicts Determine Voter Turnout

Who Are the Independent Voters?

Lawrence Lessig: How to Repair Our Democracy

Editors’ Note: This post was originally published on August 6, 2020 and has been updated with new stories October 28, 2020.

Get Our Newsletter

Get your fix of JSTOR Daily’s best stories in your inbox each Thursday.

Privacy Policy   Contact Us You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the provided link on any marketing message.

More Stories

• Reading for LGBTQ+ Pride Month

• Creating Communities for Disability Activism

The Federalist No. 1: Annotated

Ronald Reagan’s Library Legacy

Recent posts.

• The Joy of Burglary
• Saving Art from the Revolution, for the Revolution
• Sui Sin Far, the Chinese Canadian-American Sentimentalist

Support JSTOR Daily

Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

The Singular Importance of Your Vote—And the Steps You Need To Take Before Election Day

"Some elections are razor-thin. In 2016, the margin of victory for Donald Trump in the swing states that he won was less than 1 percent," says Dr. Cobb. But it's not just the presidential election you need to think about every four years—between general elections, it's the midterms, it's all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, it's 100 seats in the Senate, it's 50 governorships, it's your mayor, it's ballot measures, and more, she adds. "Even if you're in a state where it's likely that one of the two major presidential candidates will win because it's a 'safe state,' there are other down-ballot races that are not necessarily safe. Your vote makes a huge difference."

• Lonna Atkeson, PhD , Lonna Atkeson, PhD, is a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Atkeson's general research program involves a wide number of subfields within political science including elections, campaigns, election administration, public opinion, political behavior, the media,...
• Rachael Cobb, PhD , chair and associate professor of government at Suffolk University

Simply put, voting is power, says Dr. Cobb. "The theory of democracy is that it is a government for and by the people, and the vote is the basic building block that gives people the power to control their government and to shape what policies they want and the future direction of their town, state, and country," she says, adding that your vote should serve as "the great equalizer." But that's not always the case.

There are many people for whom the right to vote is taken away. Discriminatory voter ID laws prevent millions of people from voting each year. Take for example a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that upheld a law requiring formerly incarcerated people to pay all fines and fees associated with their sentence before they're allowed to vote; it kept 1 million Floridians from voting .

{{post.sponsorText}}

"Why would people spend so much time trying to take political power away from people?" asks Dr. Cobb. "Because political power actually matters. It makes a big difference in our lives, makes a big difference to the kind of economic power that we have to the distribution of government resources to communities. It makes a big difference to the kinds of policies that we're going to have in the future."

"Why would people spend so much time trying to take political power away from people?"

Lonna Atkeson, PhD , professor of political science at the University of New Mexico, explains that voting restrictions were brought over from Britain.

"[These laws] weren't initially discriminatory policies," says Dr. Atkeson. "When only white male property holders were allowed to vote, voting restrictions existed. After the Civil War, those same measures were used to deny African Americans the right to vote."

And these laws vary from state to state—in Vermont and Maine, for example, people in prison can vote . Dr. Atkeson explains that the ruling on Florida stems directly from a 2018 vote. Nearly two-thirds of voters in Florida chose to amend the state constitution and allow felons to vote. "What's the corrective measure? You create a new initiative and you put it on the ballot," says Dr. Atkeson. "The good thing is that democracy is an iterative process. And it's something that we're always building on and moving forward with."

Voting in the 2020 general election was especially tricky. Social distancing rules, paired with a high turnout of voters (as seen in the 2018 midterm elections and the 2020 primary elections ), made poll lines much longer. Millions of people, some for the first time, voted by mail, and not every state was properly equipped to handle such volume of absentee ballots. Washington, Oregon, and Colorado, vote completely by mail, and Montana and Arizona have a permanent vote by mail lists that include 70 percent of the state population. But other states aren't as accustomed to the vote-by-mail process.

"States that haven't built the [vote-by-mail] system, their voter registration file is a lot dirtier, with many more errors in it," says Dr. Atkeson. Using inaccurate lists to mail out ballots means many ballots may never arrive at their intended destinations. And if you make a mistake on your ballot such as the wrong zip code or omitting an apartment number, it might not be counted. An NPR analysis found that within the 2020 primary elections held before July 2020 "at least 65,000 absentee or mail-in ballots were rejected because they arrived past the deadline, often through no fault of the voter."

To make sure your vote counts, Dr. Cobb explains that you have to do a bit more planning than usual. First step, look to your state's website for voting information and instructions for how to register to vote —and do it now.

"There are a lot of organizations that are I think trying to do really good work, and I'm delighted that they're all out there doing it. But at the end of the day, it is the state that is providing the reliable information about when voting is going to happen and who to contact, etc. And in most states, that's the Secretary of State's website," says Dr. Cobb. "Look early at what the overall plan is in your state: Is there early voting? If there is early voting, where it is going to be held? What is the process of mail ballots? What do you feel comfortable doing? And then really having a plan for how you're going to vote."

"Serving as a poll worker is one of the best things you can do this year to serve your country."

If you're mailing your ballot, send it in as early as possible. If your state has early in-person voting, Dr. Cobb says to take advantage of it in order to prevent long lines on election day, when it's expected that there will be a shortage of poll workers. "Anybody who's interested in getting involved, serving as a poll worker is one of the best things you can do this year to serve your country," she says.

The right to vote is precious. If you have it, you should use it.

"It can be quite disconcerting to have a barrage of negative news every single day and feel powerless," says Dr. Cobb. "But there's actually nothing like participating and actually doing something that is also one of the like healthy things you can do for yourself and for your community. Staying on the sidelines is disempowering; voting is always empowering."

Loading More Posts...

The Beach Is My Happy Place—and Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too

Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal.

4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician

These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim Shorts—According to Some Very Happy Reviewers

{{ successMessage }}

Please wait a moment...

10 Reasons Why Voting Is Important

The history of voting and elections stretches far back in time. Ancient Greece seems to have been home to the earliest form of democracy. Voters could only be male landowners. Similar restrictions continued through the years and across nations, but different groups – like women – fought for more equal voting rights. Throughout the world, there are different voting systems, but the process is always important. Here are ten reasons why:

#1. Voting protects democracy

At its core, voting is about democracy. The more people participate in elections and exercise their right to vote, the more important it is for politicians to represent voter interests. If people don’t participate, politicians won’t be motivated to listen because their positions aren’t at risk. An active voting population protects democracy.

#2. Every vote matters

Many people don’t vote because they believe their one vote doesn’t matter. The reality is that elections are often decided by very close margins. This is especially true for smaller, local elections. There are already fewer voters in these smaller races, so each vote holds a lot of weight. If everyone realized their vote matters, governments would be significantly more representative.

#3. Voting shapes social agendas

There are many social issues affected by elections, including (but not limited to) marriage, reproductive rights, capital punishment, freedom of speech, and religion. Social issues affect everyone in one way or another. To have a say in who gets to pass laws on social agendas and what laws are put in place, voting is essential.

#4. Voting shapes the economy

The laws within a society don’t only affect social issues, they shape the economy, as well. This includes laws on taxes, the cost of higher education, student loan policies, social security benefits, and healthcare costs. Politicians voted into office also decide on governmental budgets, such as how much money goes to the military versus social safety net services. By voting, people can make their economic priorities clear.

#5. Voting affects environmental policies

As climate change continues to threaten the future, it’s more important than ever to vote with the environment in mind. Globally, environmental policies have become contentious and urgent. Some politicians understand the dire situation we’re in while others continue to deny there’s even a problem. Voters decide who will make the important decisions.

#6. Voting affects foreign policy

All nations must engage with other countries whether it’s on trade, shared interests, or resolving conflicts. Many voters may not think much about how their votes determine foreign policy, but these policies can affect everyday things like how much goods cost, the price of gas, and job opportunities. For people in the military or who work internationally, foreign policy is also extremely significant.

#7. Voting impacts your wallet

Speaking of how much things cost, voting also has a direct effect on your money. Elected officials at a local and national level are in charge of countless budgets. Taxes, which are taken from your paycheck, fill out those budgets. Voting lets you have a say in where that money goes and who has to pay what. As an example, the tax rate for the wealthiest people is an area of huge interest in the United States. How little corporations pay in taxes is also frequently on the ballot in the form of politicians who oppose or favor higher taxes.

#8. Voting holds leaders accountable

In places where voters fill out the government, votes have a lot of power. If a politician is chosen because of their promises, but then backs down, voters can vote them out. This accountability is a huge reason why free and fair elections are so important. If voting rights are threatened, it inhibits peoples’ ability to hold elected officials accountable. Politicians can remain in power and break their promises even if most of their constituents want them gone.

#9. Voting impacts the present and the future

People vote on the issues that matter to them now, but voting also impacts the future. The most notable example is found in the court system. In places like the United States, citizens don’t directly vote for the Supreme Court justices, who serve lifetime appointments and whose rulings reverberate through time. However, people do vote for the President and members of Congress. The President is the one who selects judges and then Congress votes on their confirmation. Many people believe that’s why voting for a President is so important. It’s less about the President (who can only serve up to 8 years) and more about who they might select for a lifetime appointment on the highest court in the country.

#10. Voting is part of protecting human rights

The ability to have a say in who runs your government is a human right. In places without some form of a voting system, people can’t participate in the government. People can’t run for elected office if they want to change things. Leaders aren’t held accountable through elections. The right to vote also maintains and protects other human rights, such as the freedom of association and freedom of expression. Voting matters because human rights matter.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty. "10 Reasons Why Voting Is Important." The Important Site, 2022-05-24, available at: https://theimportantsite.com/reasons-why-voting-is-important/ .

Why Voting Is Important

“Voting is your civic duty.” This is a pretty common sentiment, especially each November as Election Day approaches. But what does it really mean? And what does it mean for Americans in particular?

Social Studies, Civics, U.S. History

Americans Voting

Typically in the United States, national elections draw large numbers of voters compared to local elections.

Hill Street Studios

Today, most American citizens who are 18 or over have the right to vote in federal and state elections . This has not always been the case.

The United States Constitution originally did not say who was allowed to vote, but it did explain how citizens would elect the new federal government. The members of the House of Representatives are to be elected directly through a popular vote . This means that each voter casts a ballot, and the candidate with the most votes wins. Members of the Senate were originally chosen by state legislatures, but that changed in 1913 to also allow people in each state to vote directly for them, too.

However, the Constitution says that the president should be chosen indirectly by a group called the Electoral College .

Each state has a number of delegates to the Electoral College. This number is based on the state's population. During the election, when one person wins the popular vote in a state, then they win all of the electoral votes for that state. Once all the votes are in, whichever candidate has the majority of electoral votes wins the election and becomes president. If one person does not have the majority, then the House of Representatives votes on who will become president.

Not All Adults Could Vote In Early America

When the Constitution was written, the question of who could vote was mostly left to the states. Through the early 1800s, only white male landowners were allowed to vote. Women, Blacks, and other disadvantaged groups of the time could not vote. These groups were denied the right to vote for many years to come.

Black men were not given the right to vote until 1870. That's when the 15th Amendment was approved. Even still, after 1870, Black men still faced major problems when they went to vote. They included poll taxes and literacy tests.

This continued until the 1960s. In 1964 the 24th Amendment was approved. It made  poll taxes illegal. The next year, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 put an end to Jim Crow segregation laws.

No American women were allowed to vote until 1920. That was the year the women's voting movement was able to get the 19th Amendment approved by the states. It said that all women were allowed to vote. However, Black women would continue to face many obstacles to vote even after the 19th Amendment.

Most all Americans over the age of 21 could vote by the mid 1960s. The American voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971. At that time many Americans felt if you were old enough to serve your country in the military then you should be allowed to vote. Today, the voting age remains at 18. More Americans have voting rights now then in our Founding Fathers' day.

Does One Vote Really Make A Difference?

Do you sometimes think one person's vote cannot make much of a difference? Two of the closest elections in U.S. history might make you think again.

Al Gore narrowly lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush in 2000. Bush ended up winning Florida by only 537 votes. The election may have gone differently if 600 more Gore supporters showed up to vote. There may have been a different president from 2001-2009.

In 2016, Donald Trump won the Electoral College vote over Hillary Clinton by 304-227. The election did not come down to a handful of votes in one state as it did in 2000. However, Clinton actually won the national popular vote by nearly three million ballots. Trump, however, received enough electoral votes to win.

Trump won the popular vote in key areas of "swing" states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Like most states, these have a "winner take all" system. That means the popular vote winner gets all the state's electoral votes. The loser gets none.

Votes In Local Elections Matter, Too

One voter may not directly elect the president. But when that vote is combined with others it can definitely make a difference. This is especially true in a particular voting district and in a close election.

Large numbers of voters usually turn out to elect a president. Far fewer people turn out for local elections. This means that fewer people have a say in who is elected to important offices like mayor or city council.

Being Involved In Politics

You can still get involved in elections even if you are not yet 18. The same is true if you are not a U.S. citizen. You may not be able to vote, but here are some actions you can take:

Be informed. Read up on issues (both local and national) that are important to you and figure out where you stand.

Get out and talk to people. Even if you cannot vote, you can still voice opinions on social media, in your school newspaper, or in other public places. You never know who might be listening.

Volunteer to work on a campaign . Support your favorite candidate. You can help with phone calls, door-to-door outreach, writing postcards, or volunteering at campaign headquarters. Your work can help get a candidate elected.

Taking part in free elections is one of the most important rights in American life. Many people in other countries do not have the same freedom. Neither did many Americans in our country's past. It is important to exercise your rights no matter what you believe or whom you support.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, last updated.

October 19, 2023

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Castleton University is now part of Vermont State University! Please visit VermontState.edu for accurate information.

This Section

The importance of voting.

Written by Rich Clark, Professor of Political Science

After his primary losses on Super Tuesday in 2020, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders conceded that his campaign had not been, “as successful as I would hope in bringing young people in.” He added, “It is not easy.”

Maybe it is not easy, but it is essential.

Education and Civic Engagement

The great American philosopher, John Dewey, grew up in Vermont in the late 19 th century and attended the University of Vermont before making his mark on American political thought. Mostly, Dewey is remembered for his contributions to the field of education. He believed that education is less about acquiring a fixed body of knowledge and more about developing skills in critical thinking and applying those skills as active citizens. Consequently, the value of education goes well beyond the individual benefits; an educated citizenry supports democratic norms and a more robust civic life.

Dewey was a strong proponent of democracy as the best means for meeting the needs of the public. In his book, The Public and Its Problems (1927), Dewey tried to reconcile civic engagement in American democracy with the depersonalizing forces of industrialism and capitalism. While Dewey recognizes the importance of policy experts, he also argues that popular participation in government is necessary to uncover the problems we collectively face because experts will be too removed from the public to clearly see the problems people confront. “The man who wears the shoe knows best that it pinches and where it pinches, even if the expert shoemaker is the best judge of how the trouble is to be remedied” (p. 207).

So it is at Castleton that we take up the mantle that fellow Vermonter Dewey passed along to educate our students to be active and effective citizens in our democratic government. While some students opt to pursue a Certificate in Civic Engagement as they build the skills of citizenship, self-advocacy, and leadership, all students participate in the liberal arts foundation of a Castleton education through our General Education Program. One of the explicit goals of general education at Castleton University is that the program, “promotes students to be engaged as active citizens on campus and beyond.”

Perhaps the most basic act of citizenship is participation in the electoral process by voting.

Why Is Voting Important?

Political scientists and civics educators often express the idea that voting is important without explaining why that is the case. To many students, and to too many Americans, voting appears to be fruitless and unlikely to make a difference. And yet, the 2016 presidential election hinged on approximately 78,000 votes in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, or less than 0.06% of the total votes cast in the presidential election. Putting aside presidential elections, there have been many elections at the state and local level where a single vote made the difference. In 2017, the 94 th District of the Virginia House of Delegates, wherein 11,608 ballots were cast, resulted in a tie, and the winner was chosen by randomly drawing a name from a hat. More significantly, control of the House of Delegates depended on the outcome of the 94 th district, as the Republicans held 50 seats and the Democrats 49.

Most elections are not closely decided, but that does not mean that one’s vote does not matter. The very act of voting is a form of civic responsibility and the exercise of a right for which many American citizens had to fight. For many Americans, voting is their only form of civic engagement.

As Americans, it is part of our common creed that the government’s legitimacy is based on the consent of the governed. Yet, without any formal rites of citizenship or national service mandates, Americans who do not gain citizenship through the naturalization process never explicitly avow their consent to be governed; instead, we accept the idea of tacit consent. Voting is one of the few opportunities for most Americans to weigh in and express one’s preference on the direction of government, thereby recognizing the legitimacy of the government through participation in the process.

I may be among the few who love the political campaign season. Campaigns are opportunities for political parties and office seekers to express visions of and ambitions for our collective lives, and as voters, we are able to question those candidates, express our own thoughts on the politics of the day, and eventually select whom we wish to represent us moving forward. We choose whose vision most closely represents our own. And we do this together.

And still, many Americans don’t even engage enough to vote.

The highest turnout for a presidential election since 1972, the first presidential election following the ratification of the 26 th Amendment lowering the voting age to 18 years old, was 61.6% in 2008, and the lowest presidential election turnout was 51.7% in 1996, meaning just over half of all eligible voters cast a ballot. More discouraging, in midterm elections—elections for Congressional races without a presidential contest—voter turnout hovered between 36.7% in 2014 and 42% in 1982 before reaching a record high of 50% in the recent 2018 midterm elections.

These turnout rates for the general population are high in comparison to turnout among younger citizens. Only 32.6% of eligible voters ages 18-29 voted in the record-setting 2018 midterm election, while 65.5% of voters 60 years and older cast a ballot. Voting rates for college students is slightly better than rates for young voters generally.

There are many reasons that young adults vote at lower rates than older adults. Young adults are often more transitory, less settled than older citizens. They may be away at college, settling into new jobs, or finding their place in a community as adults for the first time. Pundits and politicians have often attributed the lower participation rate for younger voters to apathy, lethargy, and general disinterest in public affairs. Political scientists have cited a visceral antipathy toward politics, noting that younger voters are less likely to attach to any political party or overtly political movement. For decades, we believed that students simply lacked the necessary civic knowledge and that by including politics and government in the curriculum we could overcome the barriers to voting.

A recent contribution to the political science literature by John Holbein and Sunshine Hillygus, Making Young Voters (2020), challenges many of these explanations for why young people don’t vote, emphasizing instead the non-cognitive barriers to voting. Holbein and Hillygus argue that, “the act of voting requires minimal cognitive abilities and a desire to participate but it can also require persistence, fortitude, energy, and patience to actually make it to the ballot box” (p. 33). Young people, our students, are as informed as most voters, and they often understand the importance of voting as well as the average voter. But when students see campaign ads, when they are greeted by candidates, when they attend political events or public meetings, and when they visit their precincts to vote, they do not see representations of themselves. They are not always comfortable venturing into this new area where they perceive most everyone else to be better informed and to belong. These are the non-cognitive barriers that Holbein and Hillygus cite. The good news is that they are not insurmountable, and once they’ve been breached, the habits of voting begin to adhere. We know that when voters start at a young age, they are more likely to remain active voters for a lifetime.

Spartans Vote!

Now we are engaged in a campaign to encourage our students to participate in the electoral process. An informal, multi-disciplinary cadre of faculty, including Mary Droege from the natural sciences and Candy Fox from the English Department, are working the Content Lab—a group of creative students led by Communication Professor Bill DeForest—to develop messages to help and encourage students to vote. We are here to help them figure out if they are registered to vote, and if not, how to register. We are here to help them navigate the process of voting, either through absentee ballots or in person. Most importantly, we are here to assure them that they belong in the civic sphere.

The 2020 presidential election is shaping up to be extraordinary in several ways, and our students face challenges as a result of political division, climate change, the pandemic, and the economic woes connected to the pandemic. They face mounting debt and a weak job market upon leaving college. In order to respond to those challenges, the political system needs students in the electorate to uncover those collective problems, so that our democracy could respond as Dewey believed it was intended.

Vote, Spartans, vote!

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Cookie Policy

Essay on Voting | Importance of Voting in Democracy Essay in English | Essays for Students

Importance of voting essay.

Democracy is a system of government where power lies in the hands of the people. Voting is a process through which citizens choose their leaders by casting votes in a democracy. It is a fundamental right and responsibility that every citizen should embrace. Here is why voting holds such importance in a democracy:

1. Ensuring Representation : Voting is important because it allows us to choose leaders who make decisions for our country. These decisions directly impact our lives, including areas such as education, healthcare, employment, and more.

2. Expressing Opinion : Voting allows individuals to express their opinions on various issues. It gives them the power to shape decisions that impact their lives and the future of their nation.

3. Holding Leaders Accountable: By voting, citizens ensure that elected officials are responsible for their actions and policies. Elected officials know they must listen to the concerns of the voters if they want to stay in power. This helps monitor the performance of leaders and promotes transparency in governance.

4. Safeguarding Democracy : Voting is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy. Voting guarantees that governments are selected through fair and transparent elections. It promotes political stability, protects citizens' rights, and strengthens democratic institutions.

To sum up, voting is not just a right but a fundamental pillar of democracy. It empowers citizens to shape the future of a nation. Therefore, every eligible citizen should use their right to vote to support the core of democracy.

Essay on Why Voting Is Important

Students are often asked to write an essay on Why Voting Is Important in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Why Voting Is Important

Why voting is important.

Voting is the process by which people choose their leaders and make decisions about how their government is run. It is a fundamental right that allows citizens to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

The Power of Voting

Voting gives people the power to choose who represents them in government. By casting their ballots, voters can help to ensure that their values and interests are reflected in the decisions that are made. Voting also holds elected officials accountable for their actions. When voters are unhappy with the performance of their elected officials, they can vote them out of office.

The Importance of Voting

Voting is important because it allows people to have a say in how their government is run. It also holds elected officials accountable for their actions. By voting, people can help to ensure that their values and interests are reflected in the decisions that are made.

Voting is a powerful tool that allows people to make a difference in their communities and their country. It is a right that should be exercised by all eligible citizens.

250 Words Essay on Why Voting Is Important

Voting is a right.

Voting is a right given to every citizen of a country. It allows us to have a say in how our country is run. We get to choose the people who will make decisions that affect our lives. It is our responsibility to use this right and make our voices heard.

Choosing Representatives

When we vote, we are choosing the people who will represent us in government. These representatives make decisions about laws, taxes, and other important issues. By voting, we are helping to ensure that the people who are making decisions for us are the ones who share our values and priorities.

Holding Representatives Accountable

Voting also allows us to hold our representatives accountable for their actions. If we are unhappy with the way they are representing us, we can vote them out of office. This is an important way to make sure that our government is responsive to the needs of the people.

Voting is a powerful tool that we can use to make a difference in our country. It is our responsibility to use this right and make our voices heard. By voting, we are choosing the people who will represent us, holding them accountable, and shaping the future of our country.

500 Words Essay on Why Voting Is Important

Voting gives you a voice.

Voting is your chance to make your voice heard. It is a way to tell the government what you think about the issues that matter to you. By voting, you can help to choose the leaders who will make decisions that affect your life. You can also vote on laws that will be passed.

Voting Makes a Difference

Every vote counts. Even if you think that your vote won’t make a difference, it does. In many elections, the outcome is decided by just a few votes. By voting, you can help to make sure that the candidate or issue that you support wins.

Voting Is a Right

In many countries, voting is a right. This means that you are allowed to vote if you are a citizen of that country. Voting is a privilege that should not be taken for granted. It is a way to participate in the government and to make your voice heard.

Voting Is a Responsibility

Voting is not just a right, it is also a responsibility. When you vote, you are helping to make decisions that will affect the lives of everyone in your community. It is important to be informed about the candidates and issues before you vote. You should also be willing to accept the outcome of the election, even if your candidate or issue does not win.

Voting is one of the most important things you can do to make a difference in your community. It is a way to make your voice heard, to make a difference, and to exercise your right and responsibility as a citizen.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Why Veterans Are Important
• Essay on Why The Atomic Bomb Was Necessary
• Essay on Why Research Is Important To Students

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Voting Awareness Essay

The voting awareness essay is an article that discusses voting and its importance. It provides information about voting and how to be a responsible voter. A lot of people want to vote, but many are not aware of its need and how to cast it. This is where voting awareness comes into play. The idea of voting awareness is to help people understand the importance of voting. Voting is an important way for voters to control their government. It is a method for citizens to express what they want from their leaders by raising awareness about voting. This will lead to better governance and what everyone wants – a democracy that is free, fair and representative.

Voting helps citizens become more involved in their government and keep it accountable. To vote, you must meet specific requirements. In addition to voting, there are a few laws that ensure fair elections around the world. BYJU’S short essay on voting awareness helps us understand the vote’s significance.

Importance of Voting

Voting is an integral part of democracy, and it is necessary for people to have a voice. Everyone has the right to vote, which means that all Indians can vote for the Prime Minister of their choice. By voting, you can create change and make a difference in your community. It is also important to vote because you can only repeal a law if most citizens agree with it.

Voting is one way to be more civically engaged with your government. It is vital to make a difference in the world by having your voice heard and representing the views of people who don’t have a voice. If you want to create change, voting is an excellent way. Voting in election helps citizens ensure that the country is granted better rights and protection.

Voting is an important civic duty that can significantly impact the future of our country. Voting helps keep politicians accountable for their actions and creates the framework for our democracy. Voting also ensures that public officials are paid with the tax amount from the people who can afford to pay them. The most consequential decision of all is how to spend tax – voting ensures that there is accountability for what goes into our government’s budget. The last thing we want is for politicians to be able to spend public money without being held accountable by the public’s vote.

To conclude, this is BYJU’S voting awareness essay for kids to help them understand the significance of voting in a democracy. Voting gives citizens a voice and an opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Voting also allows everyone to contribute to the shared democracy and make the government more representative of the people. For more kids learning activities like worksheets , poems etc., visit BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Voting Awareness Essay

At what age can a person vote in india.

In India, a person can start voting once they turn 18.

Why should we vote?

We should vote to let our voices be heard and ensure that what we want is put into effect. Voting is one of the fundamental rights our country offers us.

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Importance of Voting Essay: Why Every Citizen Should Exercise Their Right to Vote

Voting is a fundamental right and duty of every responsible citizen to make a strong democracy. Elections are going on some the states presently, therefore, the topics has become one of the most important essay topics for all competitive as well as academic exam.

Essay on Importance of Voting

Voting is a fundamental right and duty of every citizen in a democratic society. The act of voting allows citizens to have a say in the selection of leaders who will represent them and make decisions on their behalf. In a democratic system, voting ensures that power rests with the people rather than in the hands of a select few. Despite the importance of voting, many individuals do not exercise this right. Lets discuss the importance of voting and highlight why every citizen should vote.

Importance of Voting in Promoting Democracy

One of the primary reasons why voting is crucial is that it promotes democracy . In a democratic society, citizens elect their leaders through a voting process. The leaders then represent the interests of the citizens and make decisions on their behalf. Through voting, citizens can choose leaders who will advance their interests and promote the common good. By voting, citizens participate in the democratic process and contribute to shaping the future of their country.

Importance of Voting to Ensures Equal Representation

Another essential aspect of voting is that it ensures equal representation. In a democracy, every citizen has a voice and the right to vote. Regardless of one’s social status, wealth, or education, every vote counts equally. When citizens vote, they ensure that they are adequately represented in government. The government must then consider the views of all citizens, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. This helps to prevent the domination of any particular group in society.

Importance of Voting in Encouraging Civic Responsibility

Voting is not only a right, but it is also a civic responsibility. By voting, citizens contribute to the development and progress of their country. It is essential for citizens to participate in the democratic process and have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. Voting is an excellent way to show civic responsibility and a commitment to the future of the country.

Importance of Voting in Empowering Citizens

Voting is a powerful tool that empowers citizens. Through voting, citizens can influence the policies and decisions made by their government. This is particularly important for marginalized groups who may otherwise have little voice in society. By voting, these groups can elect leaders who will represent their interests and promote policies that benefit them. Voting also empowers citizens to hold their leaders accountable for their actions. If leaders fail to deliver on their promises, citizens can vote them out of office during the next election.

Voting Shapes the Future

The act of voting shapes the future of a country. By participating in the democratic process, citizens have a say in the direction that their country takes. They can choose leaders who will promote policies that align with their values and priorities. Voting allows citizens to contribute to the shaping of their country’s future, and this is a critical aspect of democracy.

Voting is a Fundamental Right

Voting is a fundamental right and it must be protected. In many countries, individuals have had to fight for their right to vote. This is because the right to vote is closely linked to the right to self-determination and freedom. By exercising their right to vote, citizens can help to preserve and strengthen their democracy.

Importance of Voting in Enhancing Political Stability

Voting is essential for promoting political stability. When citizens vote, they provide a mandate to their elected leaders. This mandate gives the government the legitimacy to make decisions and implement policies. When citizens do not vote, the government may lack the mandate to govern effectively, and this can lead to instability. By voting, citizens can help to ensure that their government is stable and effective.

Importance of Voting in Reflecting National Identity

Voting is an important aspect of national identity. In many countries, voting is seen as a crucial part of national identity and a symbol of citizenship. When citizens vote, they demonstrate their commitment to their country and its future. By participating in the democratic process, citizens can also demonstrate their understanding of the issues facing their country and their willingness to contribute to finding solutions.

Importance of Voting in Increasing Participation in the Political Process

Voting increases participation in the political process. When citizens vote, they engage with the political process and become more aware of the issues facing their country. This increased awareness can encourage citizens to become more politically active and engage in other ways, such as volunteering, advocating for causes, and contacting their elected officials. Through voting, citizens can become more involved in the political process and help to shape the future of their country.

Importance of Voting in Protecting Human Rights

Voting is also important for protecting human rights. In a democratic society, citizens have the right to participate in the political process and to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. When citizens vote, they help to protect these rights and ensure that they are upheld by the government. By participating in the democratic process, citizens can also help to prevent the violation of human rights by holding their leaders accountable.

In conclusion, voting is an essential aspect of democracy that every citizen should exercise. Through voting, citizens can promote democracy, ensure equal representation, encourage civic responsibility, empower themselves, shape the future of their country, and protect their fundamental rights. It is essential for citizens to take their civic duty seriously and participate in the democratic process by voting in every election and make free and fair election. By doing so, citizens can contribute to building a better and more equitable society for all.

Related posts:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.