Everyone Should Participate in Democracy

The U.S. has an astonishingly low voter turnout compared to most democracies around the world; even for national, presidential elections, which are the most prominent, our voter turnout is barely a majority. Apathy is just one cause -- systematic discrimination against certain voting populations, as well as a general lack of knowledge around less prominent elections, fuels the issue. Without full participation in democracy, though, the U.S. is barely a democracy -- here's what you can do to change that.

Daily

• Stay educated about the candidates and know their goals — visit campaign websites, social media, news articles
• Educate others about candidates and emphasize the importance that every vote counts

Weekly

• Communicate with government about imposing less strict requirements that may inhibit potential voters from contributing their political stance
• Post unbiased, easily understandable information about candidates on social media so that people are more uneducated about politics, thus more likely to vote

Monthly

• Make sure you are registered to vote
• If there isn't enough access to IDs (i.e. no nearby DMVs) in regions with Voter ID laws, offer to drive people in need -- or petition local government to make access easier

Periodically

• Around voting season, encourage people around you to vote — in person and on social media
• Of course -- go to the polls yourself, when election season comes around.