With midterm elections right around the corner, the two words “go vote” are being written and spoken all over our campus. What does “go vote” mean in this political climate? Why should we, the youngest generation of voters, feel empowered to vote? How far can our one vote go? These questions need to be addressed for young voters to feel more inclined to vote.

To empower citizens to vote in the midterm elections, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., came to Iowa City to speak at an early vote rally. She was joined by state Senate candidate Zach Wahls and secretary of state candidate Deidre DeJear. They all shared important reasons that stress it is critical for us to vote.

Attendees at the rally were middle-age Iowa City people and students. I wish that our generation of voters have an overwhelming and astonishing presence in midterm elections. I want people my age to realize how much they can change, influence, and guide our country in a direction they want to see by voting.

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With the current intense political climate, I constantly hear criticism of our government. On campus, I hear complaints from students about their disagreements with legislation, the economy, or even social issues. Tension with the government can be sliced like a stick of butter. But how can people complain if they don’t vote? If people vote, then they contribute to who should represent the people of our country. They voice what they believe. They exercise their civic duty as Americans. If people want change, then they must foster it.

No one will voice your opinion, and no one will cast your vote for you.

At the voting rally, Wahls said, “Don’t boo, vote.” This emphasizes that complaints will not get the United States to where people want it. As a democracy, America was founded on being a government of the people and for the people. Why not take this trait of America and use it to its full advantage?

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In addition to Wahls’ previous statement, he also made an extraordinary point by saying, “Let’s hold our democracy to a higher standard.” Our democratic government is supposed to function for the better sake of its citizens. As people who have a system in which we can choose who represents us, it is our responsibility to voice whom we want.

To my fellow Hawkeyes, I hope you remember how much your vote gives you as the midterm elections rolls around. Each vote cast chooses who represents Iowa and the greater United States. Each vote cast constitutes what the future will be like for our generation and generations to come. Each vote cast can foster the change that you wish to see in our country. A single vote may seem small, but when there is an overwhelming number of college students voting in this election, we are bound to have a lasting effect and see changes in the issues people keep complaining about.