THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities that U.S. citizens have. About 150 million American citizens are qualified to vote. Unfortunately, many don’t. They give up on a chance to choose leaders and representatives who will do things that are important to them.

WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE? Nobody can force a citizen to vote. But many citizens do vote, because voting lets them tell the government what they want it to do. If citizens think they’re paying too many taxes, they can vote for a person who promises to lower taxes. If citizens want more services, they can vote for someone who will promise to spend funds to gain more services.

EVERY VOTE COUNTS It’s also important for citizens to know how to work the voting machines or to mark the ballots they’ll be using when they vote, so that their votes will be counted. Why is that so important? Because every vote counts! An election might be decided by a single vote and history would be changed because a person got…or lost…that one vote

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. You have the power to decide on the quality of life you want for yourself and future generations. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like public transportation, raising minimum wage, or funding local schools. This is your life: take the time to help decide what’s best.

NOT VOTING IS GIVING UP YOUR VOICE Elections are decided by the people who go out and vote. Take some time and learn about the measures and the candidates. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the decision for you. Your power is in your vote.

IT’S YOUR MONEY You pay taxes, but do you know how that money is being used? Most people don’t. Voting is your chance to choose how your tax dollars are spent – such as funding for health care and social services.

VOTING IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE Do you want to make a positive impact? Voting gives you that chance! Support the candidates and ballot measures that can help your community, state, and even the nation for the greater good. Make your voice heard in these elections.

THE COMMUNITY DEPENDS ON YOU! Our communities are made up of friends, loved ones, neighbors and children. Some may not know how important voting is, while others don’t have the privilege. Make the decision to vote for yourself and those around you.„