Cast your vote; it's the American privilege

"The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.... It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn." -- George Washington

Next week we will all have the opportunity to participate in the single greatest right we all have as a citizen of a free country. We will be able to cast our vote for who we want to lead our country for the next four years.

I remember the first time I was able to vote, I was very proud to be doing so and even though I knew my vote was just one small vote out of millions, I knew that it does matter and it is very important to exercise this right. Over the years, I have heard many people tell me they do not vote because their vote does not really matter so why waste the time? We have the opportunity to hear from each person, about their views, the direction they think our country should be taken and how they think they can improve things in our country.

It is always surprising to me when you hear the percentage of people who vote and realize how many people out there that could be voting but do not! The argument that their vote will not make any difference will always prevail with some people, but I have always liked the saying, "If you did not vote, do not complain about what you get."

In the 2012 presidential elections, voter turnout was around 55 percent. I have always thought, what could be more important than voting on who will run our country? Have we really come to the point that people would rather watch television, play video games, or just do nothing instead of vote?

If you look back over time, this country has gone through so many changes and trials and the outcome that each one had was in part because of the leaders that had been placed there by the people. The power of this country is in the hands of the people, but they have long forgotten the power they wield when they come together in numbers.

People are getting tired of the same problems and the same results that we are getting from our federal government, but the power starts with us. Who we elect to appoint other positions, to vote on how money is spent, to vote on how much money we give them to begin with. It starts with the people, but if we do not use that power to vote, that choice is left in the hands of a few.

Everyone has the same equal right to vote. It does not matter how much money you have, what color your skin is, what sex you are, or what party you are part of, your vote is equal and just as important as the next. People have given their lives so we could have the right to cast our vote in a free country and we should not take it for granted. I would encourage everyone who can to get out and vote next week. Vote for whomever you would like, but make sure you vote!