Originally published by Harper’s Bazaar on November 3, 2018
Politics matter. Elections have consequences for people who are not just you.
All across the country, votes are being suppressed. In North Dakota, Native Americans are struggling to vote in the face of new voter ID restrictions from the GOP. In Kansas, judges have ruled against adding another polling place in Dodge City. The one currently available is outside of town, a mile away from a bus stop. It is likely not a coincidence that this is a hotly contested race and the town is 61 percent Hispanic.
Which is why it is so infuriating to read about young people who can vote, but are choosing not to. If you are in this position—if you don’t feel like voting—vote. Just vote.
There are always a certain number of people, almost all of whom seem to be young and not in situations where they can’t vote, who feel that they will not vote because a candidate is not inspiring enough to them. Some people feel that their consciences will not allow them to vote for a candidate who only favors incremental progress.
To which I can say, do you know what incremental progress is? Progress. The alternative is going backwards or stagnating. Very little happens quickly if a large group of people have to agree on it. That’s a good thing. This is the reason that, for instance, Donald Trump can not overturn the 14th amendment by executive order. Promises of slow, moderate progress are the only promises that can be kept by politicians.
“Do you know how you get politicians who care more about your opinions? By voting.”
Written by Jennifer Wright at Harper’s Bazaar. Read more here.