To the editor:

We’ve all had that cynical thought: “My vote doesn’t matter.” It’s a narrative designed to make us feel powerless as if our individual choices are insignificant in the black hole of politics. But this belief couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, our democracy hinges on participation, and every vote has the potential to change the course of history.

A lot of folks don’t understand that elections are not decided by the majority of the population — they are decided by those who show up. And in many races, especially local and state elections, the margins are often razor-thin. If you think your single vote doesn’t count, think again.

In 2017, a House of Delegates race in Virginia ended in a literal tie. The winner was decided by drawing a name out of a bowl — an election determined by chance because one more person didn’t vote. That single seat determined control of the entire House of Delegates. Your vote can be the one that tips the scale.

When you choose not to vote, you’re handing over your power to someone else — someone whose values, beliefs, and priorities may not align with yours. You’re allowing others to decide who will write the laws that shape your life, your community, and your country. By not voting, you’re essentially saying, “I’m okay with whatever happens.” But are you really? Every policy that affects your daily life — from healthcare to education, taxes to public safety — is shaped by those elected to office. Your vote is your voice in that conversation, and when you stay silent, you lose the right to demand better.

Imagine a community meeting where a crucial decision is being made about your neighborhood. You have a seat at the table, but if you choose not to speak up, someone else will make that decision for you. Voting is no different. It’s your seat at the table of democracy. And when you don’t use it, you give up your say in the most important decisions of our time.

The Power of Collective Action

There’s a reason why every vote matters: because every vote is part of a larger movement. It’s easy to feel small when standing alone, but when you vote, you join millions of others who share your hopes and your concerns. Your vote becomes part of a powerful chorus demanding to be heard. Elections have been won by just a few votes per precinct. Imagine if everyone who thought their vote didn’t matter decided to show up — election outcomes would be transformed.

Take the 2020 election as an example. In Georgia, the difference in the presidential race was just about 12,000 votes — a tiny fraction of the state’s population. That’s roughly the size of a small town. In Arizona, the margin was even smaller, with just over 10,000 votes separating the candidates. These were not landslide victories; they were close contests where every single vote played a critical role. If those small margins hadn’t been met, the outcome would have been completely different.

Voting is your direct line to change

We often feel disconnected from the halls of power, but voting is the most direct and impactful way to make your voice heard. It’s a powerful act of self-expression and civic duty. It’s a reminder to those in office that they work for us, not the other way around. Each vote is a check on power, a demand for accountability, and a push for the change we want to see.

If you’ve ever been frustrated by policies that don’t represent you, or if you’ve ever wished for leaders who truly reflect your community’s needs, voting is how you make that wish a reality. It’s how you say, “I am here. I matter. And I will be heard.”

The idea that one vote doesn’t matter is a myth designed to keep people away from the polls. Don’t buy into it. Voting is not just a right; it’s a powerful tool that belongs to you. Use it to shape the world you want to live in. Because when you vote, you are not just casting a ballot — you are making history.

“All politicians are crooked”

It’s easy to feel disillusioned by politics when headlines are filled with scandals, broken promises, and the perception that politicians are more interested in power than public service. But if we turn away from voting because we believe all politicians are crooked, we’re only allowing the worst behaviors to go unchecked. Voting is our most powerful tool to demand better.

Think of voting as hiring someone for an important job. Even if the pool of candidates isn’t perfect, you still have a say in who gets to lead. When you vote, you’re not endorsing every action of a candidate — you’re making a choice about who is best suited to represent your interests. And if they fail, you have the power to vote them out. By not voting, you give up your influence entirely, leaving decisions in the hands of those who may not share your values.

It’s not about finding the perfect candidate; it’s about holding those in office accountable. Voting is how we steer the ship of state. It’s our chance to push for transparency, integrity, and responsibility. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen by staying on the sidelines. If you’re frustrated with the system, the best way to challenge it is by showing up, not giving up.

“I don’t like either candidate”

It’s a common feeling: you look at the ballot and feel uninspired by the choices in front of you. But choosing not to vote because you don’t like either candidate is like refusing to steer your car because you don’t like the road. It’s a decision to let others make the choice for you, and often, that means living with the consequences you had no say in shaping.

Think of voting not as an endorsement, but as a strategic decision. Sometimes, it’s about choosing the candidate who will do the least harm or make the most progress on the issues that matter most to you. Even if neither candidate is your ideal choice, one will always be closer to your values and priorities than the other. Your vote is a way to influence the direction we move in, even if the steps are small.

Elections aren’t about perfection; they’re about participation. Sitting out because you’re dissatisfied doesn’t send a message of protest — it sends a message of surrender. Every vote you cast is a statement of your values, a push for the change you want, even if it’s incremental. Democracy is a constant work in progress, and it needs every one of us to keep moving forward, even when the options aren’t ideal.

Your vote is your voice

Every election is your chance to be part of something greater. Whether it’s ensuring your community’s needs are met or influencing national policy, your vote is your stake in America’s future. This election season, let’s not just vote for candidates but for the principles our nation was built upon — equality, justice, and the right to be heard.

Your vote isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility, a legacy, and a powerful tool for change. Let’s make our voices heard, not just for today, but for the generations to come.

Vote, because every vote truly counts.

Brian Frye

Williams