When I was a teenager, politics really didn’t interest me all that much. I couldn’t vote (until I was 18, of course), and I really didn’t pay any taxes because any money I paid was returned to me with a simple tax form every April. So, why should I care about all the uproar that goes along with choosing a candidate and showing support?
Then came my first presidential election. I was so excited. It was 2004, and although I really hadn’t been too interested before, I decided that perhaps I needed to look at the candidates and see what issues they supported and give politics a little more thought than I had before. My friend and I went down to our political party’s local headquarters and got buttons and bumper stickers. We volunteered to put signs in our yards and make phone calls if needed.
Even if you are not really interested in politics all the time, it is important that, as an American, you vote. It is our voice. It is what separates us from other countries that do not have that right. The great thing in America is that even if you are not old enough to vote, it doesn’t mean you have no voice. There are many laws, statutes, and even city ordinances which have been challenged by someone under the age of 18 and changed for the better of the community.
As a Christian it is important that we choose to vote for a candidate with good moral values. Although it is sometimes difficult to find someone to vote for who matches our ideals––and God’s Word––exactly, it is our responsibility and right to research and see who best lines up with our priorities. Look at all candidates’ websites for whatever race they are in.
Sometimes the candidate you like wins; sometimes they lose. Either way, it is also important that we accept whichever candidate is elected and pray that they lead our country well, and in a godly way. Try to look at the positive. Always be thankful that our country has the right to vote for its leaders.
There are elections every year (not just every four years). Offices that are up for election, and the election dates, depend on your state. If you want to do more to get involved, or just get the voting dates, go to www.vote411.org. Just click on your state––it will give you a link to your state’s offices. Most states provide a yearly calendar with information for voting and names of all candidates.
Whether you are old enough to vote for them or not, state representatives represent the people of their state, not just those over 18. If you have a concern or see something that needs changed, write your state representatives. Voting is not the only way to make a change. As Americans, all of us have the right and responsibility to make changes that will make our country better.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Sarah Ancheta
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