In every election cycle, conversations inevitably arise about the significance—or supposed insignificance—of voting. Many feel disenfranchised, believing their vote doesn’t count or that the candidates are already selected by powerful interests, making the act of voting feel like a symbolic gesture rather than a practical one. However, voting remains one of the most powerful tools in a democratic society, especially when leveraged consistently. Here, we’ll explore why voting matters and address common skepticism around the process.
1. Voting Creates Accountability
One of the most essential aspects of voting is that it creates a system of accountability for politicians. High voter turnout puts pressure on elected officials to honor their campaign promises, knowing that they’re being watched and held to account. Leaders who fall short or blatantly ignore their voters’ needs risk losing their positions in future elections. By voting, citizens create the checks and balances that are foundational to any democracy, holding elected officials responsible for their actions and policies.
2. Consistent Voting Builds Change Over Time
Some people feel frustrated by the slow pace of political change and conclude that voting is ineffective. However, most significant, lasting changes are incremental, building over time through consistent action. By voting regularly, citizens can slowly but surely help shift policies, leadership, and attitudes. Political change, like cultural or societal change, often requires years of persistent effort to reach a tipping point. While it may not happen overnight, each election moves the needle a little further. When large groups of people vote over time, it shapes the direction and tone of governance, creating space for meaningful reform.
3. Honoring the Struggle for Voting Rights
The right to vote was not always guaranteed to everyone. Historically, many marginalized groups had to fight for decades—sometimes centuries—to secure this right. From women to people of color to younger voters, access to the ballot box was achieved through incredible sacrifice and hard work. By voting, we honor the legacy and struggles of those who fought for the right to be heard. Choosing not to vote, then, can feel like taking those hard-won rights for granted.
4. Local Elections Can Offer Greater Influence
Often, the belief that voting doesn’t matter stems from focusing exclusively on federal elections, especially the presidential election. However, local elections are just as—if not more—important when it comes to influencing everyday life. From city councils to school boards, these elections decide who manages crucial services, sets policies on public safety, shapes school curriculums, and allocates resources for infrastructure projects. And these local elections frequently have lower voter turnout, meaning that each vote carries even more weight. When people vote in local elections, they’re directly shaping the future of their communities, often in ways that have a more immediate impact than national policies.
5. Historical Change is Cumulative, Not Instant
It’s easy to forget that many of today’s laws and protections resulted from decades of advocacy and gradual shifts in public opinion, supported by steady voter participation. Significant movements, like civil rights or environmental protection, took decades to gain widespread support and culminate in legal and social changes. This progress happened because generations of people showed up to vote, regardless of who was in power or what the political landscape looked like. By voting, citizens continue this legacy, knowing that true change is often cumulative, requiring patience and persistence.
6. Third-Party and Non-Establishment Candidates Can Influence the System
While it’s true that the two-party system dominates U.S. politics, third-party or non-establishment candidates sometimes bring new ideas and influence mainstream platforms by drawing attention to important issues. When voters support these candidates, they send a message to the major parties about what issues they care about, forcing them to address these concerns. Though third-party candidates rarely win national office, they influence policies and shift the political conversation, making an impact that can ripple across election cycles.
7. The Power of Public Opinion
The influence of powerful interests, corporations, and media might feel overwhelming, but politicians are, ultimately, highly sensitive to public opinion. High voter turnout shows that people are engaged, and politicians ignore that at their peril. When voter participation is high, elected officials are more likely to respond to the needs and concerns of a broad electorate. Conversely, low turnout can let powerful interests exert disproportionate influence, often at the expense of everyday citizens. By voting, people remind politicians that they are accountable to the people, not just to powerful donors or lobbyists.
8. Local Elections Can Come Down to a Few Votes
Though it might seem unlikely, many elections—especially at the state or local level—are decided by just a handful of votes. There are countless examples of elections where a tiny margin of votes determined the winner. This can mean the difference between a city investing in a new park, implementing important social programs, or deciding on zoning laws that could affect the entire community. Individual votes can and do count, often more than people realize, and a single vote can be the deciding factor in a close race.
9. Elections Reinforce a Government’s Accountability
Choosing not to vote can have the unintended effect of reducing the accountability of those in power. When fewer people vote, leaders have less incentive to act in the public’s best interest, knowing they’re less likely to be voted out. Even if the available candidates are imperfect, casting a vote for the candidate who aligns closest with your values reinforces a government’s accountability to its citizens. Engaging in voting creates a culture where elected officials know they are being watched and evaluated, which can influence how they govern.
10. Voting Amplifies Your Voice in Society
Finally, when you vote, you amplify your voice and participate in the collective voice of your community, state, and country. While one vote might feel insignificant, it is part of a larger movement that shapes public sentiment and direction. Voting is more than just a choice—it’s a chance to make your values and priorities visible and, in turn, encourage others to vote. Each election offers a fresh opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to democracy, no matter how flawed the system may seem.
Confronting the Skepticism
It’s natural to feel skeptical about the power of voting, especially in a complex political system. But disengaging or choosing not to vote only strengthens the hold of the powerful interests that many people feel disillusioned by. The reality is, if enough people buy into the idea that their vote doesn’t matter, then the only ones left with a voice are the most privileged and powerful. Voting helps level the playing field by giving everyone a voice in the direction of the nation.
The Bottom Line
Voting is not a magic solution, nor is it a perfect process. However, it remains a crucial part of how change happens in democratic societies. Each vote helps shape policies, create accountability, and, over time, build a more just and representative society. Even in a system that feels dominated by powerful interests, voting provides ordinary people with a mechanism to steer the country’s future. When we vote, we collectively decide the direction we want our country to take, reinforcing democracy and building a legacy for future generations.