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For those who used to believe their vote didn't matter, the 2000 presidential election proved them wrong. As the Florida recount continues on, it becomes painfully clear that every vote counts.

However, is this just a one-time phenomenon? Did Indecision 2000 occur just because the race was at a dead heat? Or could this have been prevented if opinionated, yet stubborn potential voters made it to the polls?

Not very many young people seem to be interested in politics or care to follow the presidential campaigns in order to make an informed, intelligent decision on Election Day. Much of today's youth seem to believe that politics is for old people to worry about; that the system is already set up and that their voice will not change our nation's leadership. Young adults do not come near to matching the proportion of the elderly that make it to the polls.

Often the arguments for choosing not to vote are, "I don't want to have to choose the lesser of two evils," or "My vote won't make a difference because my state is already going to be declared for one candidate anyway."

Another popular sentiment is, "The Electoral College decides who wins, so the popular vote is not really the deciding factor, so why bother?"

The Floridian Phenomenon, the recount in Florida due to the race being too close to call, can be prevented in the future. We should not have to deal with this headache again.

First, the Electoral College should be abolished. It is an anti-democratic institution created for our nation as it once was. Today most of the nation is literate, and capable of making their own decision on whom they feel is best fit to be U.S. President. It is a futile game to have candidates spend such time and money swaying public opinion, only to have the popular vote not be used to determine the new leader of the Free World.

Second, American soldiers have fought wars in order to protect and enforce the values we hold dear and freedom we enjoy. It is disrespectful to those who fought for this universal suffrage to abuse the privilege. It is also a shame to choose not to participate when millions worldwide wish they could have a direct say in who governs them.

Also, the media should not broadcast which candidates have won which states until all polls close. To be sure, this will lessen Election Night drama, but it is necessary in order to ensure democracy in America. It is not fair to West Coast residents, for example, to see the electoral outcome of the majority of America before having the opportunity to cast their votes. It puts these citizens at an inferior status, as the presidency already seems to be decided before their polls close.

As far as not liking any of the main candidates, one ought to vote for one of the alternative candidates that best suits their views. These less popular candidates may not have a great chance at winning the election, but votes cast for them will determine funding their party will receive for the next election. Therefore, one's vote cannot be wasted and he or she does not have to be forced to vote for mainstream candidates.

Lastly, as this election clearly demonstrates, votes cannot always be accurately predicted. Voters are fickle and political pundits often predict winners based on party strength within the state. Political science is a complicated field; voter behavior cannot be assumed and citizens should not allow predictions influence their vote.

Although senior citizens seem to be among the most active citizens in this nation, it is not their age bracket that will most benefit from newly elected leadership. The policies put into place by those elected will most likely be long-term or have direct effects on institutions affecting young people, either now or in the future. America's youth is only hurting themselves when they do not vote; they have no right to complain about our nation's leadership if they were too lazy or apathetic on November 7.

Free Your Speech :

Oct. 28, 2000: David J. Zaber Madison, Wis.

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