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Why your vote matters in this (and every) election
Election season is upon us, and although Halloween has passed, many people still tread anxiously as the day approaches. Voting is a daunting task, especially for first time student voters who may not know where to begin in the process. With the barrage of content surrounding this year’s election and candidates, it can be difficult to decide where you stand. Voters might also have to consider barriers to casting their ballot, such as the day-of time commitment, access to transportation and civic literacy.
Zadie Fiveash is a junior at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Before transferring to UTK, she helped organize a voter registration drive which included resources for voter education.
“Student turnout has been so historically low because there are a lot of barriers which make voting difficult,” Fiveash said.
What’s more, many people have taken to their soapboxes to declare their democratic forbearance. They raise doubts in the value of one’s vote, pessimism about the running candidates and grievances with the American electoral system. Many flat out state their disinterest in politics which informs their apathy towards learning about the candidates.
These feelings are not completely ill-informed. There is plenty of evidence to uphold these beliefs that can be hard for many voters to overcome. However, the value of a vote is not based strictly on the candidate it ballots.
“When you’re voting in November or any time, you’re not just voting for a candidate. You’re voting for a ton of different things, like policies and legislation,” said Fiveash. “You have a serious impact on your local government, where your vote can truly change the course of the election.”
The national election is not the only race your vote is contributing to. In Tennessee this year, there are nine additional elections on the voter ballot. These smaller races can often come down to a few votes, elevating the value of one ballot to an epic scale.
Historically, a vote has also been a symbol of power and autonomy for people previously without. It was a right that was fought on both offense and defense: 40000 suffragettes parading down Fifth Avenue in New York City. 25000 civil rights activists standing on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol Building. These images hold the potence of the passion Americans have for that right. They are battlefield frames from a fight that continues to rage on.
As recently as 2013, the Supreme Court has called for dramatic changes to voter legislation that determines the protections of certain voters in the United States. The elimination of preclearance, the federal government approval of changes to election laws, left the responsibility of voter defense up to litigation under Section 2 of the Voter Rights Act. In 2021, the Supreme Court introduced legislation making that litigation more difficult to apply.
A ballot is not just a declaration of which candidate one hopes to elect. It is a statement of interest in keeping one’s right to that voice.
The good news is that many students seem to be embracing this mindset. At least a majority of voters believe that, for one reason or another, their vote is important enough to cast. In recent years, the percentage of eligible college students who voted rose 14% from previous elections, according to The National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement. Voters state hopes that their ballot might influence the issues they care about, from a local to a national scale.
Confusion and intimidation are completely common feelings to have as election day approaches.
“Make a plan and do your research,” Fiveash said. “You can see who’s going to be on your example ballot, then start Googling from there. Then you can know who you’re going to vote for!”
There is no doubt that the American electoral system needs reform. However, it's efforts like voting that push us closer to ensuring that those vital vehicles are set in motion.
The 2024 election will take place on Tuesday, November 5th. For more information about in-person voting in Knoxville, such as locating your voting center, check out Knox County’s website for voter resources.
