Photo courtesy: iStock
The 2024 election has left many people with mixed emotions, some confused and some overjoyed with the outcome. Amidst the great divide, one question continues to echo after each election: Does my vote really matter?
For many, the answer is a resounding yes. Voting allows individuals to exercise a fundamental right-one that citizens are all encouraged to use. But beyond this, voting provides a person with a sense of unity and involvement in the state and development of their country. The Electoral College may be a strong determining factor, but there is a reason why the popular vote is included.
Even though candidates usually reach the end of their run for president with millions of votes, it can feel like one vote doesn’t make a difference in such a large pool. However, every vote counts. Beyond the presidency, the ballot allows voters to decide Supreme Court justices, senators, representatives, and amendment rights. The popular vote directly affects these categories and can advocate for the change many would like to see within the US.
Noa Campbell, a first-year public relations major attending Tallahassee State College, believes in using your voice.
“I think my vote counts because it is a tool to influence change, and when more people engage, it can shape the future in meaningful ways,” Campbell said.
Voting is the most powerful way for citizens to advocate for the issues that matter the most to them- whether it be concerning healthcare, legalities, education, or climate change; voting assists in electing those who represent similar ideals. This then results in the preferred changes being implemented.
Part of the reason the importance of the popular vote is questioned stems from its role in the presidential race. The Electoral College seems to have the right say despite the popular vote.
The Electoral College is a group of 538 senators and house members, ultimately determining each election’s outcome. To be elected into office, a presidential candidate must win a majority of these votes; this would be 270 electoral votes. This group of officials was gathered with the purpose of ensuring larger states will not have overwhelming power over smaller states when it comes to determining the results of the election.
The Electoral College doesn’t always align with the popular vote despite its purpose. In fact, According to the National Archives, over 700 attempts have been made toward dismantling the Electoral College.
“There have been more proposals for constitutional amendments on changing the Electoral College than on any other subject,” the National Archives states.
Voting will continue to be an aspect of this society that we can utilize for the greater good. It is important that all citizens of the United States, and especially college students, utilize their right to be heard by voting and showing involvement in the political aspect of the country. Michael Thorning, director of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s democracy project, believes the issue of electoral votes will be brought back into discussion.
“We have to conduct our politics through the system that we have and conduct change to that system through the system that we have. There is a way to make that change if there is support for it.” Thorning said.
In the end, while the system may not be perfect, voting remains the direct way for individuals to make their voices heard and help shape the future of this country.