This year, millions of Americans will exercise their constitutional right to vote in the midterm elections, but many will actively ignore this privilege and avoid the polls. Some of these people will still take their opinion to the internet or the ears of those nearby. 

While you are allowed to have political opinions and speak your mind, you shouldn’t complain about election results you didn’t participate in. 

There are exceptions and valid reasons to not vote, and people who fall under these categories are more than welcome to speak their mind. Some people aren’t old enough, former and current people convicted of felonies are unable to vote, the electoral college system prevents residents of certain locations to vote in general elections and corruption can disproportionately prevent people of color from voting.

Our society is full of people who are eligible to vote yet don’t partake in elections. The United States follows the rules of democracy and grants its citizens a voice in what happens and who makes important decisions. Flooding to the polls grants a sense of patriotism and gives you an ounce of control for what happens in this country. 

People can spread their political opinions faster and further than ever with the use of technology. One scroll on Twitter or Facebook can tell you who in your life voted for which candidate. 

The day after elections, results and how citizens feel about them fill up trending pages. Those who voted and played a role in depicting the future should be the ones blogging, not people who didn’t take action. 

If you want to see change, you must be that change. You can’t sit on the sidelines and leave that responsibility to everyone else. It’s unfair to those who went to the polls to hear you complain when you did nothing to alter results. You have a voice – use it before someone you don’t agree with is in a position of power. 

Many people have made sacrifices along the way for citizens to have this right. Various of your ancestors fought vehemently for you to have the privilege of voting. 

You should fight for what you believe in and speak up when you are frustrated.

When you come across an issue you feel particularly strong about, go vote for a candidate that speaks for you and then complain to them when they get elected. 

Regardless of which party you identify with, voting is an essential component in democracy that should be taken advantage of. On Nov. 8, you can either use your power or waste the potential to be the change you want to see. 

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