Are our votes ever wasted?

    One of the rights we have been given to us in the Constitution is the right to vote in elections whether it is local, state or federal makes no difference. Our political system lets us as individuals vote for candidates running for office. Sometimes individuals feel it is a waste of time to vote in an election as they already know who is going to win. Voting is not only a privilege but a right we have under the Constitution and we as individuals must not waste that right. As we vote we are expressing our opinion on candidates or issues dependent upon the type of election in which we are voting. 

    We as individuals have many rights granted to us under the Constitution and we must not forget what they are. Our votes among thousands or millions seem inconsequential in terms of the results but individuals who have the same perspective on issues or candidates can change the impact of an election, any election. Sometimes elections are very tight and one vote in each district in a state can make the difference between who wins and who loses. This type of result has already taken place and may well take place in the future. When one vote in each district in a state for example can change the outcome of an election, it proves the value of our vote and our opinion when we exercise this important right.

    Expressing our opinion on issues and candidates sends a message to those elected to office about the opinions of voters. Close elections must not and should not be taken to be a mandate as some elected officials have done in some elections. When the percentages are close it sends a message that a wide majority of voters do not necessarily agree with positions of candidates who win elections.

    We are lucky to be living in a country unlike many others where we have a political system where anyone can serve in elected office. We have seen it time and time again where an unknown individual can come out of nowhere and win an elective office. It is our votes which propels these individuals into elected office. Other than restrictions on age and being a citizen every individual has a right to vote and/or hold office if they so choose. 

    Sometimes individuals make statements such as I do not have time to vote or it is inconvenient. There are many avenues and opportunities for us to vote in elections. Sometimes there is a smaller voter turnout out for elections given the fact that individuals feel it is not worth their time given the nature and impact of issues or candidates on the ballot. Every election is worth our time to exercise our voting rights. The decisions we make as we vote can impact our community, our state or our country. Making time to exercise our right to vote utilizing any available avenue to accomplish this important right is always worth our time. We should not let others impact our lives without providing our input and opinion through our votes.