Why my vote matters
As an American-born-Chinese, the expectation of those who ask me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is something related to medicine, finance, business, or engineering; however, in such a tumultuous political era, the response I give is, “a politician,” where I would have the ability and opportunity to not only serve constituents, but also enact greater change for America. The expression on people’s faces range from surprised to impressed, to even confused. It’s not ordinary to see an Asian American in the United States government.
In the United States of America, there are nearly twenty-one million Asian Americans who have the capacity to vote and elect local and national lawmakers. Asian Americans, like myself, compose nearly six percent of the diverse American population, yet less than one percent of the Senate and House of Representatives are Asian-Americans. In fact, as of 2017, there are only twelve representatives and three senators who are of Asian descent and help illustrate America’s Asian population. Similar trends also can be noticed among African American, Latino, and minority communities where there exists a clear misrepresentation in American government among racial groups.
America is respected around the world for encouraging diversity and the inclusiveness of races in political manners; however, as an Asian American, diversity is the characteristic that is lacking in our elected body. Being an Asian American, I find myself feeling misrepresented in the American political system. I find myself to be underrepresented in a country that embraces and strives for equal representation among different ethnic groups and religions.
As I go from classroom to classroom in high school, or I make a commute into the city of Chicago, diversity is the one trait that separates people in America and makes one unique. It is the wide array of ethnic backgrounds that separates America from other countries, but as I turn on the 24–7 C-SPAN coverage of the Senate or House floor, it is a seldom occasion that an Asian-American can be seen. American politics is distinct from the politics of other countries around the world — it is the only country that lets people elect who he or she wants.
Yet, in American politics, where the majority of lawmakers are of male, caucasian-descent, I constantly strive to see further variety in our elected body who serve the American public.
Of course, my goal of becoming a politician requires one fundamental principle: voting. Perhaps Martin Luther King Junior (King) emphasized it best when he once stated, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” The most effective way to make a difference is not sitting idly at home and contemplating about important values; rather, it is traveling to the nearby ballot box and casting a vote.
At a young age, high schoolers and college students who surround me, offer the familiar complaints about not voting. They argue that voting takes too much time, voices of voters won’t be heard, and even the way the electoral college is implemented is flawed. However, as King quintessentially said that having his voice be heard at such a young age is not only standing up for the issues that I believe in, but also firmly believing in my core values.
The act of voting first transpired during the first presidential election in American history — January 7th, 1789 — where George Washington would be known as America’s first president. Since the presidency of George Washington, America has witnessed forty-three subsequent leaders to follow in Washington’s footsteps — all enacting decisions that would help shape and define the rest of America. It is the crucial idea of a “representative democracy” — noticed as early as the first Articles of Confederation — where all individuals carry the power to elect lawmakers as an imperative aspect of American governmental decisions.
Democracy is about having not only my opinions heard, but considering the voices of everyone. Democracy is electing who I believe is fit for office and expressing my voice directly through voting. In fact, throughout American history, a distinct emphasis has been placed upon the notion of voting. Democracy and the act of voting ultimately has the ability to elect lawmakers and enable myself and others to directly express concerning viewpoints. Whether through events like the election of Marcus Morton (known as “Landslide”), who won by a mere two points, or Senator John McCain, being the deciding factor of preserving the Affordable Care Act, the saying, “every vote matters” is clearly delineated in American politics and society.
The common complaints I hear my friends assert are far from reality — voting has the ability to decide elections. Voting has the ability to reverse disappointment in the American government. Voting carries a powerful aspect that is underestimated by many of my peers.
In a tumultuous political era, where politicians make unnecessary and pejorative comments, it is understandable that individuals become easily discouraged by the political system. But America’s motto must be remembered and reinforced by all citizens, “E Pluribus Unum” — out of many one. When individuals unite as the voices of America, we have the power to prevail.
American politics and voting are about electing those who represent what I believe in. American politics and voting are about electing those who represent my background and values as an Asian American. The act of having thought-provoking discussions with different individuals — not just white, caucasian males — would assist in the bitter, partisan political battle that can be observed across the country. American politics requires its citizens to be represented, not solely by white males, but rather by people of different origins and walks of life. American politics and voting are about people of all backgrounds coming together and electing a government that truly reflects the diversity seen throughout America.
