In less than two weeks, hundreds of millions of Americans will do something great.  For some it will take just a few minutes.  Others will brave the elements.  Some will even wait in lines for hours on end.  All for one reason: to vote. But there will also be many millions more sitting at home, with a great amount of ignorance towards the electoral process and their civic duty.

According to voting and registration statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, 218,959,000 Americans are eligible to vote, but only 146,311,000 Americans are registered to vote. Out of these numbers, only 126,144,000 Americans voted in the 2012 Presidential Election.

This may seem like a lot of information to take in, but the numbers highlight one important issue: more Americans must exercise their right to vote.

There are many reasons why voting is important. No matter your gender, race, sexuality, or political preferences, here are a few reasons why it is important to vote…

1. Voting gives Americans the opportunity to use their power and voice. America is an incredible place, due in part to the fact that its people choose their leader.  In countries such as China, Egypt, and Chad, citizens have little or no voting rights. It is the responsibility of the citizens of America to vote because they have the privilege to do so.
2. Your vote makes an impact. If you are registered to vote and vote regularly, you may not think that your vote makes a difference due to the multitude of individuals who are also putting in a vote. This is completely wrong. Whether you are voting for a major candidate or a third party candidate, you are adding to a number that would not have been as high, had you not voted. In the election of 2000, George W. Bush defeated Al Gore by only 327 votes out of six million in the state of Florida. 327 may seem like a large number, but out of six million, it is quite small. This election is a perfect example of why each vote cast makes a difference.
3. Voting is a way to respect our Founding Fathers. America was declared an independent nation when our Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Independence can be defined as many things, but one of the greatest rules of our independence as a country is our right to choose our leaders. In the United States Constitution, the 15th and 18th Amendments grant all Americans no matter their race, color, or sex the right to vote. Voting allows you to respect the wishes granted to you by our Founding Fathers.
4. Your vote can affect future generations. When you vote in an election, you are making a vote that will affect the future. No matter which candidate is elected, changes will be made. For the future of our children, grandchildren, and so on, it is important to voice your opinion on who you think will make a positive change for generations to come.
5. Voter turnout is important. When more citizens vote, it makes for a more accurate representation of results. 

This Election Day, make sure to head to the polls to make your vote count.