Sarah Pichardo Okay, it’s time to talk about something big—voting. Whether it’s your first time at the polls or you’re a pro at mailing in your ballot, making informed decisions matters. Voting is your chance to shape the world around you, so you need to come prepared. I know it can feel overwhelming, but you can do this. Let’s break down how you can do your research, why facts matter more than hype, and, most importantly, why registering to vote is a must.
Do Your Research, It’s Not That Hard
We all love a good TikTok deep dive, but when it comes to voting, you need to dig a little deeper. It’s easy to see a catchy headline and think, “That sounds right,” but here’s the truth—not everything you see online is accurate. Doing your research doesn’t have to be boring or take forever, though. Check out a few reliable news sources (yes, more than one), look into what candidates are actually saying, and get the full picture. News media and social media are pros at taking things out of context, so make sure you find the original source and read or watch the whole thing before making up your mind.
Hype or Facts? Stick to the Facts
Look, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. A candidate’s speech can go viral for all the wrong reasons, or maybe your friend’s super into a specific issue and wants you to jump on board. But here’s the thing: voting isn’t about what’s popular or trending. It’s about making decisions that reflect your values and what you care about.
Take a minute to think about the issues that matter most to you. Is it climate change? Education? Healthcare? Whatever it is, make sure your vote supports those causes based on solid facts, not just social media buzz. Facts matter. So don’t be afraid to question what you hear and dig deeper.
As one person put it in an interview, “I’m not electing someone to be in my wedding party. I’m electing someone to run the country. I don’t have to like them personally, I just need to believe in their policies.” And that’s the mindset to keep—focus on what will have the most impact on the issues that matter to you.
Civil Conversations—You Don’t Have to Agree, and That’s Okay
Now, let’s talk about the tricky part—talking politics with friends and family. It’s easy to get heated, especially when you care deeply about an issue, but here’s the thing: you don’t have to agree with everyone, and that’s totally okay. People have different worldviews, values, and experiences, which shape their political beliefs. Just because someone sees things differently doesn’t make them wrong.
The key is having civil conversations. Listen to their perspective, share yours, and remember that you can still be friends or family, even if your political views don’t align. It’s important to focus on understanding, not winning an argument. The beauty of democracy is that we all get a voice, and our differences can make us stronger when we approach them with respect.
Registering to Vote—It’s Simpler Than You Think
Okay, now that you know why research and facts are important, let’s talk about the key step that makes it all possible—registering to vote. Without registering, all the research in the world won’t matter. The good news? It’s super easy. Most states let you register online, and it takes just a few minutes. Or visit vote.org. Seriously, you can do it while waiting for your coffee or during a Netflix binge.
But heads up—don’t wait until the last minute. Every state has different deadlines, and you don’t want to miss out because you forgot to register. Make it a priority. Once you’re registered, keep an eye on any upcoming elections and stay in the loop. Your vote is your voice, so make sure you’re ready when it counts.
Your Vote = Your Power
If there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this: your vote is powerful. It’s easy to feel like one person’s vote won’t make a difference, but history has shown that even a small number of votes can change everything. You have the power to shape your community, your state, and even the country.
So, what are you waiting for? Do your research, stick to the facts, and make sure you’re registered. Voting is one of the easiest ways to make an impact, so don’t let it pass you by. Your future self will thank you.
