Your vote is your voice: Don’t go unheard

It’s that time again. Political ads are dominating TV and social media, signs are in seemingly every yard. The candidate who is best suited for the presidency is a hot topic in many conversations. Yes, it’s election year. And while it may be frustrating to see your media feed dominated by election information, it is still vitally important to make your voice heard by voting. 

It’s common for first-time voters, like many students at Kirkwood Community College, to feel anxious about voting due to the public nature of the process being difficult.  

However, voting is an extremely easy process with volunteers available to help guide you. First, you need to register to vote. To register to vote, all you need is a form of identification, often a driver’s license, residency in Iowa, and not be ruled ineligible to vote by either felony or ruling by a judge, according to Democracy Works. You can register to vote at any time, including Election Day, on Nov. 5. 

Many Americans, particularly younger Americans, are under the impression their voices do not matter. This is not the case, as just a few thousand votes can swing a state election, and a single state’s results can drastically change the result of the Electoral College—even a state with only six electoral votes like Iowa. 

According to The New York Times, the 2024 election will be extremely close. Many states that safely landed in favor of one candidate four years ago are now within a single percentage point in the polls. Iowa is a key example of this. In 2020, the Hawkeye State favored former President Donald Trump over Joe Biden by just over eight points. 

This year, Trump is only favored over Kamala Harris by an average of five points based on two polls conducted by Cygnal and Selzer and Company.  Showing up to vote can also impact smaller-scale elections including those for the Senate, House of Representatives and local positions such as mayor or school board. 

Elections can have a huge impact on your day-to-day life. You have a voice, so use it. Every vote matters. Every voice matters. Every eligible Iowan needs to vote for the collective voice of Iowa to be heard in this year’s election. It’s not just a Constitutional right but your civic duty to vote and make your voice heard.