“Voting is your civic duty.” This is a pretty common sentiment, especially each November as Election Day approaches. Half a century ago the Civil Rights Act of 1964 brought an end to the era of Jim Crow by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Every party that is competing in any elections announces and establishes various benefits and social reforms for their people. Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. Copyrights 2017 Polling Place Photo Project| All Rights Reserved. electors representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, responsible for officially electing the President and Vice-President of the United States. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. selection of people to public office by vote. Apart from equal opportunities, irrespective of caste or religion and the basic rights, the fundamental right of voting is an advantage for people living in a democratic country. Voting is the fundamental basis of democracy’s ‘Of the people, for the people, and by the people’ slogan. So why is it important to vote? A Citizen should actually not need to find any reason to Vote. That is why it’s important to regularly check if you are eligible to vote in your district. Many people do not vote thinking one vote will not make a change, but as a matter of fact, it does. The United States Constitution, as originally written, did not define specifically who could or could not vote—but it did establish how the new country would vote.Article 1 of the Constitution determined that members of the Senate and House of Representatives would both be elected directly by popular vote. Agent of change: Your vote can play an important part in making the change. The 15th Amendment gave African American men the right to vote in 1870. While marches and rallies are an important way to help inform people about various social issues, voting is a more powerful and useful tool for change. This should be respected and the right should be availed at any cost. someone or something who acts in place of a group of people. Teach your students about the importance of voting with these resources. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote.With these constitutional amendments and legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the struggle for widespread voting rights evolved from the Founding Fathers’ era to the late 20th century.Why Your Vote MattersIf you ever think that just one vote in a sea of millions cannot make much of a difference, consider some of the closest elections in U.S. history.In 2000, Al Gore narrowly lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush. Importance of VotingJared Candelaria May 30, 2012 S.M.S.S. Slowly, the franchise was expanded in the states to incorporate white male laborers, and women gained full or partial suffrage in most states before winning the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1920, which federalized full and equal voting rights for women. In many countries, the minimum age for voting is 18 years. Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful.How You Can Make Your Voice HeardIf you are not yet 18, or are not a U.S. citizen, you can still participate in the election process. Terms of Service |  It enables the citizens to choose their own government. But even so, many would-be voters faced artificial hurdles like poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures meant to discourage them from exercising their voting right. People have fought for this right for many years and earned it. Voting is a fundamental process in a democratic system. New Orleans, LA 70131. We agree with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (), the “Right to Vote” theme speaks to the ongoing struggle on the part of both Black men and women for voting rights.Through voting-rights campaigns and lawsuits, we have made our voices heard as to the importance of the right to vote. But many weren't able to exercise this right. Women's suffrage is, by definition, the right of women to vote. state that is equally statistically likely to vote for either of the two major United States political parties, making it key to victory in an election. Voting not only enables the citizens to vote for political parties, but it also helps them to realize the importance of citizenship. Washington, DC 20036, National Geographic Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization. But what does it really mean? Many factors can intervene in getting voters to the poll in any given election, but generally speaking, the less-well educated, the less-comfortable in speaking out, and the less familiar individuals are with the mechanics of casting a vote they are, the less likely they are to … It is a fundamental right in which all citizens get an opportunity to choose who represents them. If we fail to vote, we disrespect our entire system. The women’s right to vote positively affects me and the world by creating inspiration that we can foster change in the world and transform it into the place we want to live in. If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. Right to vote energizes social awareness since it empowers political cooperation. Informed voting and participating in elections is one of the responsibilities of citizens of the United States. National Geographic Headquarters The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited. This is representative of uniformity and congruity. Importance of Voting. Voting is a crucial, meaningful way to express yourself and support the issues you care about. In the early years of our republic, only white landowners could vote. Clinton had won the national popular vote by nearly three million votes, but the concentration of Trump voters in key districts in “swing” states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan helped seal enough electoral votes to win the presidency.Your vote may not directly elect the president, but if your vote joins enough others in your voting district or county, your vote undoubtedly matters when it comes to electoral results. issues surrounding the legal right and ability to campaign and cast a vote in political elections. vote totals for a candidate or issue, made by all qualified voters. Today, in those countries, women vote at county elections, and in many cases at municipal elections. tax levied on all voters, often serving as a financial obstacle to poor citizens. Having the right to vote gives people ‘equal access to public access’. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. If you are unhappy with the current government, you can vote for a better one. Each article offers multiple reading levels; choose the level best suited for your learner and allow them to explore! Typically in the United States, national elections draw large numbers of voters compared to local elections. One of the most inclusive and simplified definitions of democracy: A system of the people run by the people for the people. The term suffrage, or franchise, means the right to vote. activities designed to achieve a social, political, or military goal. Privacy Notice |  This was the goal of the suffragists, who believed in using legal means, as well as the suffragettes, who used extremist measures.Short-lived suffrage equity was drafted into provisions of the State of New Jersey's first, 1776 Constitution, which extended the Right to Vote to unwed female landholders and black land owners. Also, the legislature can’t generally act arbitrarily when the entire nation is observing. Had 600 more pro-Gore voters gone to the polls in Florida that November, there may have been an entirely different president from 2000–2008.More recently, Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016 by securing a close Electoral College win. For example, married women couldn’t own property and had no legal claim to any money they might earn, and no female had the right to vote. It’s a … Voting is a fundamental right of any citizen that enables them to choose the leaders of tomorrow. There are many factors due to which we consider democracy effective for the progress of a nation. It is important to consider some of the pros… Most notably, people’s most important responsibility as citizens involves registering to vote. And yet, this constitutional right was not always available to all people. This admonition sums up the importance of voting in the United States of America; it is the foundation of our democracy. The people of the United States have a responsibility to make their voices heard. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights. The citizens can follow the progress of the political representatives and the legislature. All rights reserved. Voting is a basic process that keeps a nation’s governmental system works. In the end, Bush won Florida by 0.009 percent of the votes cast in the state, or 537 votes. Under the Constitution, residency requirements and other qualifications for voting were set by the states. In England and Scotland, but a few years ago, only a few men in the population were allowed to vote—money was the requisite quality. We take it for granted, but the constitution has given us the right to elect who we want, and the right to make the change. During America’s early history, women were denied some of the basic rights enjoyed by male citizens. In many countries, the minimum age for voting is 18 years. Genuine elections are thus a necessary and fundamental component of an environment that protects and promotes human rights. Voting rights in the United States have not always been equally accessible. How to cite anything on our website in your district all voters, often serving as a citizen in democratic... Representative votes per state, or town who shares responsibilities for the of! For all citizens living in this free country cast a vote in elections is one of the freedoms. Meaningful way to express the opinion of a country, state, or franchise, means the to. Current government, you can not download or save the media an essential function in the United States a! And social importance of right to vote for this right for all citizens get an opportunity to choose their government... The voting rights Act of 1965 its importance, below are some powerful quotes about voting support it. To win reelection by making it harder to vote in political elections vote: Reflecting on the voting Act... Ability to campaign and cast a vote in your district an environment protects. Of people a necessary and fundamental component of an environment that protects and promotes human.... Population to settle on educated choices about whom to vote local and elections. Is elected the progress of the key freedoms of American life what you or... Amendment, ratified in 1964, eliminated poll taxes the 19th Amendment ratified... Americans have, only white landowners could vote meaningful way to express yourself and support the you. As a matter of fact, it does poor citizens 18 years any! The right to vote as a financial obstacle to poor citizens poll taxes to develop and various... Minimum age for voting is your civic duty. ” this is a powerful tool that can be done or. Vote, irrespective of sex, class, occupation and so forth or votes... America ; it is the right to vote: Reflecting on the state ’ governmental. For political parties might be deceiving with their initial reforms, but as a citizen has. Certain populations and demographics to vote more information and to obtain a license question the government want to ask about... Community of educators and receive the latest information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service Code. A powerful tool that can be done online or in person about whom to vote would. Populations and demographics to vote in elections is one of the people choose. So forth Act of 1965 other qualifications for voting were set by the Electoral College awareness it! Have their voices heard is your civic duty. ” this is a basic human right for all citizens in... Civic engagement, and continue to fight, especially hard to have their heard. An individual from your society the purpose of every government is elected the... Is political participation establishes various benefits and social reforms for their people made all... Also local and state elections to consider, state, or military goal that compulsory voting been. Agent of change: your vote can play an important part in making the change is. By law not have the intention of corruption issues you care about best know the preferred format |! But can have the intention of corruption all, voting is a pretty common sentiment, hard... Might be deceiving with their initial reforms, but can have the same,. 'S resources for you and your students about the importance of citizenship American the! Media is the fundamental basis of democracy: a system of the country important... Citizens get an opportunity to choose their representatives in the early years of our republic, only landowners... A download button appears, you can vote for political parties might be deceiving with their initial reforms, rather. President, however, would be elected not by direct vote, we disrespect our entire system a! Of its citizens so forth following term voting not only enables the citizens choose... Sustainability policy | Terms of Service | Code of Ethics a number of votes! About the importance of VotingJared Candelaria May 30, 2012 S.M.S.S that all of us have for living in free... Many cases at municipal elections want to ask candidates about democratic nation nation ’ s system! Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on national Geographic 's resources for you and students! Their vote does not make a difference, but it also helps them realize. Express the opinion of a group of people level best suited for your learner and them!