In the past few months, much of the news coverage, both local and national, has been on the upcoming presidential election. Most of the seniors this year, as well as a few older juniors will have the privilege of voting in the 2016 presidential election. Yet, many ask if participation in politics is worth while.

The answer is yes and here are a few reasons why it’s important to pay attention to politics and take advantage of our freedom to vote.

Politics will directly effect our generation more than older generations, who tend to make up the largest percentage of voters. The future president will represent our country and the values that we stand for.

Think you are too young or insignificant to be involved in the big world of politics? Wrong. Just by reaching out to your local representative to voice your opinion, you are involving yourself in politics. It can also be something as small as donating to a campaign or going from door to door to support a particular candidate you believe should be appointed into office. Taking action leads to making true change.

Vote. At one point in our nation’s history, not everyone could vote. If you were not a white male who owned property, chances were you could not vote. As a nation, we have fought hard to gain suffrage for men and women alike. Don’t let that kind of sacrifice go to waste.

Do you believe the Electoral College prevents your vote from counting? Wrong again. While the Electoral College plays a crucial role in the Presidential election, the voters are the ones that turn the delegates toward a certain candidate. Every vote counts in order to win over a state and, in turn, elect the next president.

There is a reason why the United States battle cry was once, “Taxation without Representation.” Our founding fathers fought to bestow the right of representation and democracy upon us. It is our duty as citizens to use it wisely.