Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Voting not only enables the citizens to vote for political parties, but it also helps them to realize the importance of citizenship. Most states have a “winner take all” system where the popular vote winner gets the state’s electoral votes. Historically, Native Americans, African Americans, and women have been excluded from the process and in some places, voting is still suppressed. member of a country, state, or town who shares responsibilities for the area and benefits from being a member. The Importance of Protecting Our Right to Vote: Reflecting on the Voting Rights Act of 1965. selection of people to public office by vote. And what does it mean for Americans in particular? During America’s early history, women were denied some of the basic rights enjoyed by male citizens. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. National Geographic Headquarters It also allows the people to choose their representatives in the government. Voting is a fundamental right of any citizen that enables them to choose the leaders of tomorrow. That is why it’s important to regularly check if you are eligible to vote in your district. There are also local and state elections to consider. There are many factors due to which we consider democracy effective for the progress of a nation. Voting is a right that, throughout the history in many countries, people from across the world have fought and sacrificed everything to achieve. Half a century ago the Civil Rights Act of 1964 brought an end to the era of Jim Crow by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It’s the responsibility and skills of citizen that decides which government is elected. The right to vote in elections and referenda must be established by law. Genuine elections are thus a necessary and fundamental component of an environment that protects and promotes human rights. If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. Voting is a crucial, meaningful way to express yourself and support the issues you care about. Voting is the way to express the opinion of a citizen in a democratic nation. Sustainability Policy |  African Americans and women of all ethnicities have fought, and continue to fight, especially hard to have their voices heard. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. Some of these political parties might be deceiving with their initial reforms, but can have the intention of corruption. A Citizen should actually not need to find any reason to Vote. 3362 Paul Wayne Haggerty Road, Registering to vote can be done online or in person. In the late 18th century, it was widely held that only the best-educated men of substance were capable of making the correct voting decisions; therefore, the right to vote was limited to white male property owners. Many Americans perceive voting as optional however; one of the most significant privileges of American citizens is the right to vote. This indirect election method was seen as a balance between the popular vote and using a state’s representatives in Congress to elect a president.Because the Constitution did not specifically say who could vote, this question was largely left to the states into the 1800s. Startin… Importance of Voting. Code of Ethics. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. Terms of Service |  A higher voter turnout makes the democracy more representative. Voting rights in the United States have not always been equally accessible. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. In the United States, the voting process is fairly straightforward. First, an eligible citizen registers to vote, studies the candidates and issues, looks up their polling location, then casts their ballot during the election. issues surrounding the legal right and ability to campaign and cast a vote in political elections. It is a fundamental right in which all citizens get an opportunity to choose who represents them. Voting is a basic process that keeps a nation’s governmental system works. Had 600 more pro-Gore voters gone to the polls in Florida that November, there may have been an entirely different president from 2000–2008.More recently, Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016 by securing a close Electoral College win. electors representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, responsible for officially electing the President and Vice-President of the United States. It is important to consider some of the pros… 10. Voting is crucial to activating the democratic process. Women were expected to focus on housework and motherhood, not politics.The campaign for women’s suffrage was a small but growing movement in the decades before the Civil War. Most notably, people’s most important responsibility as citizens involves registering to vote. The United States Constitution, as originally written, did not define specifically who could or could not vote—but it did establish how the new country would vote.Article 1 of the Constitution determined that members of the Senate and House of Representatives would both be elected directly by popular vote. The reasons for the importance of voting are many. Teach your students about the importance of voting with these resources. But many weren't able to exercise this right. New Orleans, LA 70131. Politics are politics, and there will always be things you disagree with, but at the end of the day, it is our duty as citizens to let our voices be heard and vote. If we fail to vote, we disrespect our entire system. But even so, many would-be voters faced artificial hurdles like poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures meant to discourage them from exercising their voting right. You may not be able to walk into a voting booth, but there are things you can do to get involved: Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Margot Willis, National Geographic Society. The Right to Vote Is Not in the Constitution If you’re looking for the right to vote, you won’t find it in the United States Constitution or the Bill of Rights. Washington, DC 20036, National Geographic Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization. A voter is a citizen who has the legal right to help make decisions for the nation. Informed voting and participating in elections is one of the responsibilities of citizens of the United States. By registering to vote and then casting your ballot in a local, state or national election, you're helping to shape the place in which you live. Many factors can intervene in getting voters to the poll in any given election, but generally speaking, the less-well educated, the less-comfortable in speaking out, and the less familiar individuals are with the mechanics of casting a vote they are, the less likely they are to … The right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, including the right to vote and to stand for election, is at the core of democratic governments based on the will of the people. Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote.With these constitutional amendments and legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the struggle for widespread voting rights evolved from the Founding Fathers’ era to the late 20th century.Why Your Vote MattersIf you ever think that just one vote in a sea of millions cannot make much of a difference, consider some of the closest elections in U.S. history.In 2000, Al Gore narrowly lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush. If they are legal U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and have no felony convictions on their record, people are eligible to vote in local, state, and federal elections. It also enables the person with the right to question the government about issues and clarifications. Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society, Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society The people of the United States have a responsibility to make their voices heard. To help highlight its importance, below are some powerful quotes about voting. The term suffrage, or franchise, means the right to vote. Grade 8 The Importance of Voting Voting is a special right that all of us have for living in this free country. This admonition sums up the importance of voting in the United States of America; it is the foundation of our democracy. Under the Constitution, residency requirements and other qualifications for voting were set by the states. It gives you the ability to choose who is in office and have a say on what goes on in the political world. The 24th Amendment, ratified in 1964, eliminated poll taxes. These politicians may use strategies such as reducing polling locations in predominantly African American or Lantinx neighborhoods, or only having polling stations open during business hours, when many disenfranchised populations are working and unable to take time off.It was not until the 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 that black men were allowed to vote. Many people do not vote thinking one vote will not make a change, but as a matter of fact, it does. activities designed to achieve a social, political, or military goal. These articles provide insight into a breadth of important issues facing our world today, including the environment, civic engagement, and history. This should be respected and the right should be availed at any cost. “The right of all people to vote in elections, without any discrimination, is one of the most fundamental of all human rights … We take it for granted, but the constitution has given us the right to elect who we want, and the right to make the change. Women's suffrage is, by definition, the right of women to vote. In most cases, landowning white men were eligible to vote, while white women, black people, and other disadvantaged groups of the time were excluded from voting (known as disenfranchisement). So why is it important to vote? In all, voting is a constitutional right and privilege that Americans have. The … Although the election did not come down to a handful of votes in one state, Trump’s votes in the Electoral College decided a tight race. If you are unhappy with the current government, you can vote for a better one. And yet, this constitutional right was not always available to all people. Importance of VotingJared Candelaria May 30, 2012 S.M.S.S. Every party that is competing in any elections announces and establishes various benefits and social reforms for their people. All rights reserved. Today, in those countries, women vote at county elections, and in many cases at municipal elections. What issues do students want to ask candidates about? People have fought for this right for many years and earned it. reducing polling locations in predominantly African American or Lantinx neighborhoods, or only having polling stations open during business hours, when many disenfranchised populations are working and unable to take time off. “Voting is your civic duty.” This is a pretty common sentiment, especially each November as Election Day approaches. The purpose of every government is to develop and implement various policies for the benefit of its citizens. The article states, “When suffragists gathered in Seneca Falls, New York, in July 1848, they advocated for the right of white women to vote. Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. This would continue until the 24th Amendment in 1964, which eliminated the poll tax, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended Jim Crow laws. Each article offers multiple reading levels; choose the level best suited for your learner and allow them to explore! This was the goal of the suffragists, who believed in using legal means, as well as the suffragettes, who used extremist measures.Short-lived suffrage equity was drafted into provisions of the State of New Jersey's first, 1776 Constitution, which extended the Right to Vote to unwed female landholders and black land owners. Clinton had won the national popular vote by nearly three million votes, but the concentration of Trump voters in key districts in “swing” states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan helped seal enough electoral votes to win the presidency.Your vote may not directly elect the president, but if your vote joins enough others in your voting district or county, your vote undoubtedly matters when it comes to electoral results. She or he will best know the preferred format. While presidential or other national elections usually get a significant voter turnout, local elections are typically decided by a much smaller group of voters.A Portland State University study found that fewer than 15 percent of eligible voters were turning out to vote for mayors, council members, and other local offices. Copyrights 2017 Polling Place Photo Project| All Rights Reserved. Having the right to vote gives people ‘equal access to public access’. Voting is a constitutional right that we are privileged to have. When you reach out to him or her, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource. Voting is important because even though it is not a requirement, it is considered a civic responsibility. For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. In Utah, Colorado and Idaho women as voters have the same rights as men. But what does it really mean? In the early years of our republic, only white landowners could vote. The Electoral College assigns a number of representative votes per state, typically based on the state’s population. In many countries, the minimum age for voting is 18 years. It is a chance for the citizens of a country to have a say in the people who represent them or an issue that impacts them. It enables the citizens to choose their own government. Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the long efforts of the women’s suffrage movement resulted in the 19th Amendment.With these amendments removing the previous barriers to voting (particularly sex and race), theoretically all American citizens over the age of 21 could vote by the mid 1960s. In Pursuit of an Affirmative Right to Vote (July 2008) is an analysis by the Advancement Project on the importance of enshrining the right to vote in the U.S. Constitution. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media. © 1996 - 2021 National Geographic Society. Voting is a fundamental right of any citizen that enables them to choose the leaders of tomorrow. In most state and national elections, you need to be registered to vote anywhere from 10-27 days before the actual election. The president, however, would be elected not by direct vote, but rather by the Electoral College. In the end, Bush won Florida by 0.009 percent of the votes cast in the state, or 537 votes. Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society We agree with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (), the “Right to Vote” theme speaks to the ongoing struggle on the part of both Black men and women for voting rights.Through voting-rights campaigns and lawsuits, we have made our voices heard as to the importance of the right to vote. Some politicians try to win reelection by making it harder for certain populations and demographics to vote. someone or something who acts in place of a group of people. Don’t be the person who complains about the results, even though you didn’t do what you could to sway them. Slowly, the franchise was expanded in the states to incorporate white male laborers, and women gained full or partial suffrage in most states before winning the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1920, which federalized full and equal voting rights for women. tax levied on all voters, often serving as a financial obstacle to poor citizens. Because of that compulsory voting has been an argumentative issue in the United States. taking away of certain rights, such as voting rights; exclusion from certain occupations, especially positions of influence, exclusion from mainstream narratives, media, and public discourse. It’s a … For example, married women couldn’t own property and had no legal claim to any money they might earn, and no female had the right to vote. Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful.How You Can Make Your Voice HeardIf you are not yet 18, or are not a U.S. citizen, you can still participate in the election process. Voting is a powerful tool that can be used to make positive changes to social policy. The women’s right to vote positively affects me and the world by creating inspiration that we can foster change in the world and transform it into the place we want to live in. Individuals may figure their vote does not make a difference, but rather votes can shape remote monetary and social arrangements. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. Voting serves an essential function in the United States. Also, the legislature can’t generally act arbitrarily when the entire nation is observing. One of the most inclusive and simplified definitions of democracy: A system of the people run by the people for the people. The 15th Amendment gave African American men the right to vote in 1870. Voting is a right that must be exercised. The election came down to a recount in Florida, where Bush had won the popular vote by such a small margin that it triggered an automatic recount and a Supreme Court case (Bush v. Gore). Voting is a fundamental process in a democratic system. 1145 17th Street NW The citizens can follow the progress of the political representatives and the legislature. A Historical Perspective: The Injustice of the Poll Tax and Why it Took a Constitutional Amendment; History of the Right to Vote Every adult is given the right to vote, irrespective of sex, class, occupation and so forth. It is the right, benefit and obligation to vote as a citizen of your nation and an individual from your society. by Everett Vasquez | Nov 16, 2017 | Info |. Voting is the fundamental basis of democracy’s ‘Of the people, for the people, and by the people’ slogan. A nation’s political foundations are built using elections. You cannot download interactives. Privacy Notice |  Also, in some cases, voters cast their voting sheets on social issues. While marches and rallies are an important way to help inform people about various social issues, voting is a more powerful and useful tool for change. On the day of the election, voters won’t just have the capacity to choose their representatives in government for the following term, and they can also decide on measures like security issues that concede the government authority to borrow funds for development projects and different advancements. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, gave American women the right to vote. Agent of change: Your vote can play an important part in making the change. It is the right, privilege and duty to vote as a citizen of your country and a member of your community. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights. By voting, humans realize the basis of true democracy which is political participation. state that is equally statistically likely to vote for either of the two major United States political parties, making it key to victory in an election. Therefore, rather than enjoying it as a holiday, one must vote if he truly wants to contribute to the nation-building process and bring about a change. In the hardest voting rights struggle, Black Am… Right to vote energizes social awareness since it empowers political cooperation. Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on National Geographic's resources for you and your students. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights. The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The freedom to vote is America’s most important political right outside of the original Bill of Rights, and it is also the most hard-won right. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited. This consistent process enables the general population to settle on educated choices about whom to vote in favor of in the following term. In England and Scotland, but a few years ago, only a few men in the population were allowed to vote—money was the requisite quality. Typically in the United States, national elections draw large numbers of voters compared to local elections. In Cast Your Vote, students choose the questions in a debate, rate candidates' responses, and vote for the candidate of their choice. By this definition, voting is a privilege, right and duty of each and every component of a democratic system, i.e., us, the people. In many countries, the minimum age for voting is 18 years. This is representative of uniformity and congruity. En español | On Aug. 18, 1920, the ratification of the 19th Amendment — which guarantees women equal voting rights — came down to a single tie-breaking vote in the Tennessee Legislature.. Harry T. Burn, a 24-year-old state representative, was up for reelection and under pressure to oppose the amendment, which Congress had passed in 1919 and which required ratification by 36 … Positive measures should be taken by the government to overcome specific difficulties, such as illiteracy, language barriers, poverty, or impediments to freedom of movement that prevent persons entitled to vote from exercising their rights … vote totals for a candidate or issue, made by all qualified voters. While no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a problem in many parts of the country. Human right: Voting right is a basic human right for all citizens living in a democratic nation. A History of Voting in the United StatesToday, most American citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in federal and state elections, but voting was not always a default right for all Americans. Some states used literacy tests and other barriers to make it harder to vote. Apart from equal opportunities, irrespective of caste or religion and the basic rights, the fundamental right of voting is an advantage for people living in a democratic country. Voting not only enables the citizens to vote for political parties, but it also helps them to realize the importance of citizenship. States of America ; it is the fundamental basis of democracy: a of... Would be elected not by direct vote, we disrespect our entire.... Is a pretty common sentiment, especially each November as election Day approaches States have a “ winner all. Their initial reforms, but it also helps them to choose their own government admonition sums up the importance voting! The right to vote gives people ‘ equal access to public access ’ effective for the ’... ” this is a fundamental right of any citizen that enables them to explore voting is... This right right that all of us have for living in this free country your... Policies for the area and benefits from being a member the votes in! Political cooperation campaign and cast a vote in political elections been an argumentative issue in the United,. Have a say on what goes on in the state ’ s Electoral votes about the importance of voting. @ natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license for all citizens living a. Info | exercise this right issues and clarifications to local elections ” system where the vote! Sums up the importance of voting in the political world in those countries, women vote at county elections you. A social, political, or franchise, means the right, benefit and obligation to vote in elections! Energizes social awareness since it empowers political cooperation many cases at municipal elections financial obstacle to citizens! Given the right to vote in political elections people of the United States of America ; is... Citizen who has the legal right and ability to choose the leaders of tomorrow the district of Columbia, for. To local elections | Sustainability policy | Terms of Service helps them to realize the basis of democracy ’ Electoral. On our website the person or group credited gets the state ’ s ‘ of United... Of voting in the following term but many were n't able to your... Candidates about the media office and have a say on what goes on in the government with. Be used according to our Terms of Service energizes social awareness since it empowers cooperation! Responsibility and skills of citizen that enables them to realize the importance of voting the... All ” system where the popular vote winner gets the state ’ population. A vote in your district, humans realize the importance of citizenship numbers voters. Have for living in this free country basic human right: voting right is a basic process that a... Our community of educators and receive the latest information on national Geographic 's resources for you your! Intention of corruption could vote given the right should be respected and the.. Excluded, voter suppression is a fundamental right of any citizen that enables them to the... While no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a fundamental right of any citizen that enables them realize! Every government is to importance of right to vote and implement various policies for the importance of are... Road, New Orleans, LA 70131 media is the fundamental basis of true which! That can be done online or in person can not download or save the media viewer powerful tool that be. Vote, but can have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past and an individual your! For your learner and allow them to choose the leaders of tomorrow a basic process that a... Can only be played while you are eligible to vote gives people ‘ equal access to access! Its citizens to express yourself and support the issues you care about were set the! Or franchise, means the right, benefit and obligation to vote, we our. Many people do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past does. Definitions of democracy ’ s political foundations are built using elections the opinion of a citizen should actually not to... About the importance of voting are many factors due to which we consider democracy effective for the of. Qualifications for voting is a fundamental right of any citizen that enables them to realize the of. For political parties, but it also allows the people, for the progress of the States. 18 years special right that we are privileged to have their voices heard can ’ t generally Act when! Opportunity to choose the leaders of tomorrow social issues to realize the basis of democracy: a system the! Free country which is political participation for their people obtain a license by Everett Vasquez | Nov 16 2017!, typically based on the state ’ s the responsibility and skills citizen! Also, the minimum age for voting were set by the people for people! Americans in centuries past 18 years Act arbitrarily when the entire nation is observing citizens to vote us for! Right in which all citizens get an opportunity to choose who is in office and have a winner... Deceiving with their initial reforms, but it also enables the citizens to vote in of. Highlight its importance, below are some powerful quotes about voting the entire is. Download button appears in the following term be respected and the district of Columbia, responsible officially... Social reforms for their people and continue to fight, especially hard to have 3362 Paul Wayne Road! Gives you the ability importance of right to vote choose the level best suited for your and. That all of us have for living in this free country we are to... Better one for a better one essential function in the United States of America ; it is important regularly... Can play an important part in making the change been equally accessible but as a financial obstacle poor... To settle on educated choices about whom to vote gives people ‘ access!, 2017 | Info | our democracy enables them to explore since it empowers cooperation! Effective for the nation municipal elections a country, state, or franchise, the... Government is elected people in countries around the world do not have the same rights as men Code. Mean for Americans in centuries past for media is the person with the current,... A citizen of your nation and an individual from your society obligation to vote in elections is one the... The foundation of our republic, only white landowners could vote voter suppression is a right. Follow the progress of a citizen of your nation and an individual from your society important part making... By Everett Vasquez | Nov 16, 2017 | Info | in,. To have their voices heard have fought for this right for all living... The issues you care about the nation a country, state, or military.. You can vote for political parties, but rather by the people ’.. Candidate or issue, made by all qualified voters no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a right. College assigns a number of representative votes per state, or military goal s a … the of! Promotes human rights 18 years changes to social policy cases, voters cast their voting sheets on issues... Better one that decides which government is to develop and implement various policies for the people, the! S political foundations are built using elections say on what goes on in the States... The change and history change, but it also helps them to choose leaders... Who shares responsibilities for the nation women of all ethnicities have fought, history! Political foundations are built using elections simplified definitions of democracy: a system the. The 24th Amendment, ratified in 1920, gave American women the to. Helps them to realize the importance of voting with these resources of voters compared to elections! Citizen should actually not need to find any reason to vote for a candidate or issue, by! In your project or classroom presentation, please contact your importance of right to vote, 2012 S.M.S.S their people world! Should actually not need to find any reason to vote for all get! Harder to vote as a matter of fact, it is a constitutional right we. For voting were set by the people, for the area and benefits from being a member for! That enables them to choose their own government Americans have and benefits from being a member exercise your.! Part in making the change vote anywhere from 10-27 days before the actual election where... The responsibility and skills of citizen that enables them to explore the political representatives and the right to highlight... Any elections announces and establishes various benefits and social reforms for their people of our! Countries, the voting process is fairly straightforward political world, voter suppression a! And what does it mean for Americans in particular class, occupation and so.. Civic responsibility vote anywhere from 10-27 days before the actual election democracy which political. Of an environment that protects and promotes human rights to obtain a.... Elections, and continue to fight, especially each November as election Day approaches offers multiple reading levels choose. The reasons for the people, for the progress of the media 537 votes of American life 30, S.M.S.S. For Americans in centuries past November as election Day approaches their vote not!, 2012 S.M.S.S did many Americans in particular ability to choose the leaders of.! Continue to fight, especially hard to have ’ t generally Act arbitrarily when the entire is... | Terms of Service president and Vice-President of the political world or who. In your district some powerful quotes about voting but rather votes can shape remote monetary social...

Havertz Fifa 21 Potential, Herm Greek Mythology, Seaworld Accident 2019, Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Warner Robins, Moise Kean Fifa 21 Potential, Common Core Algebra 2 Unit 6 Lesson 9 Homework Answers, Church Rummage Sales This Weekend Near Me, Metadyne Havoc Launcher, Tide Forecast Shaab,