Why Is It Important for U.S. Citizens to Vote?

Historical Significance

Historically, some individuals in the United States did not always have the right to vote, while others faced political structural barriers that prevented them from casting their vote. It wasn't until 1920 that women within the U.S. were allowed to participate in the voting process, through the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Minority voting rights have only been protected nationally since 1965, when The Voting Rights Act eliminated barriers. It is important to remember that your vote was not always guaranteed and that many people struggled to make voting a right for all U.S. citizens.

In the United States, voting is the single most important right that you are afforded as a citizen. Each citizen has the opportunity to exercise one vote during an election. All votes are considered equal in status and are not distinguished by someone's social class within the country. Your vote has the potential to have a serious impact on the outcome of an election.

Voting in the United States sends the message that you are interested in maintaining and participating in the democratic process. It is important to continually show that the people are engaged in the political process and value having a say in the direction of their country. Low voter turnout suggests that the population is content with the status quo or would rather have a small group of individuals make decisions for them.

One of the most important reasons to vote is to influence policy within the United States. The American public has the right to vote for the President, Vice President, Congress, the governor of their state and local officials such as mayors. These offices control policies that directly benefit the American public, such as tax policies and public care. Voting gives you an opportunity to elect an official that will make the changes you want to see in the country.