Most American citizens, especially young people, hear the usual lecture of the importance of registering and voting in elections when one becomes of age. Despite knowing that importance, this particular presidential election seems to have discouraged many from even registering. The general consensus is that both President Obama and Governor Romney are unwanted as America’s next president.  Which brings up the question: is it justified to not vote if you are not for either candidate?

No matter who is running, we all have a responsibility to vote. If we don’t, we are giving away the freedom granted to us by our forefathers. Not voting is not a solution; it’s a copout that has consequences. We cannot pick and choose the moments when we want a voice in our government without giving up our true democratic country.

Social discourse is the catalyst to change, meaning that maintaining the voice we have, no matter how limited it is, preserves our ability as a society to make a difference. Without that ability we leave our society in a state of passiveness and allow the acceptance of the status quo, leaving our country vulnerable to tyranny and everything America stands against.

Instead of giving up their voices, voters need to simply weigh their options. Take the time to actually look at the issues and figure out which candidate most fits with your views. In this election, citizens who are not fully supportive of either candidate will have to choose the candidate with whom they most agree.

To truly utilize the opportunity we as Americans have been given to choose our leaders, we need to educate ourselves on the issues that the future president faces and how he plans to address them. I encourage everyone, especially the youth who will determine this country’s future, to keep their voices and vote.