Soon the airways will be alive with endorsements for candidates seeking office. Newspapers will be filled with political ads and biographies so we can make informed decisions. Debates will dominate prime-time slots, as Americans go head-to-head on topics of concern. Roadsides will be littered with posters, cars will feature bumper stickers and meet-and-greets will be hosted throughout the country. Yes, it’s election time. . .once again.

Unless you live under a rock, you are all too aware that political season has come. Even so, a large number of people will fail to do their civic duty by casting a vote.

As an American, you have been given one of the greatest freedoms available: the right to choose your representation. It seems so easy that it might appear as if it doesn’t matter. But the right to vote wasn’t just handed to us – we had to fight for it!

When the polls open on Election Day, every citizen over the age of 18 will be able to cast a vote. It is a right we take for granted, one that defines our nation as a democracy. But universal suffrage – letting everyone vote – did not appear overnight with the ratification of our Constitution.

Two hundred years ago, you had to be white, male, and wealthy in order to vote. Over the years, Americans have dedicated their lives to changing that fact. Without them, suffrage might still be the privilege of a chosen few.

Make sure you’re registered to vote!