In the 2016 presidential election, approximately 100 million eligible voters did not show up to the polls. Out of these 100 million voters, 15% stayed at home because they felt their votes did not matter. It is imperative that we change these statistics so that more voices are represented in November.

The original deadline to register to vote in Arizona’s general election was Oct. 5. It was extended to Oct. 23 but was later changed to Oct. 15. Since the extension, The Arizona Students’ Association (ASA) registered 148 students and counting across the state.

“COVID-19 has highlighted our vulnerabilities as a nation and the many things we take for granted. Among them are election workers, 58% of whom were 61 years or older in 2018, an age group that is at greater risk of complications due to COVID-19.”

“I was an informed citizen: I adhered to deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot; I contacted my previous voting office to address my lack of absentee ballot. Two separate attempts to contact my voting county failed. I simply forgot to check the mail.”

“Election Day is on Nov. 3. All U.S. citizens ages 18 and up have a vote, a say in which candidate will become the next president. Moreover, the future direction of the nation is decided. However, vast discrepancies appear in the age gaps of voters.”

On August 26, Women’s Equality Day will most likely be commemorated heavily in the virtual world especially since people use social media as a form of their own activism.

“Lift every voice and sing…”

This is the song that Black Americans cry and rejoice to during our moments of tears, oppression and rejection. We are being plagued by two viruses in this country: COVID-19 and racism. To conclude, Black people are disproportionately affected by both. As we lift our voices, we are constantly left with a shhh to quiet our songs of freedom.

We must take important consideration in who we want to be our future leaders. Voting is a right that many Americans do not take advantage of. By not voting, we lose the opportunity to use our voice and advocate for those who we believe will help build a better community. One vote has so much power to change our world.