Participation in the Voting Process

In November, my grandfather became the first member of our family to vote in the United States. For me, this was a glimpse into a life of freedom and opportunity I was lucky to now be a part of. My family and I came to America six years ago from a country of hate and discrimination, where citizenship and voting were privileges reserved for the select few.

My grandparents lived in Latvia most of their lives, and so did my parents. Yet they would never be citizens, for they were members, or relatives of members, of the Soviet Army, the occupants who invaded Latvia during World War II in their unasked-for attempt to destroy the Nazis. Now, the Fascist Party has gained control over Latvian politics and daily life. When I was called a "krieva tzuka" (Russian pig) or a "jude" (Jew), all I could do was run away. Many people fled Latvia for a new life, but many are still running. We found refuge in America, leaving behind everything we had.

Here, I can become a citizen, despite my nationality and religion. I can vote and be a respected member of society. I consider political involvement not only a privilege of all those fortunate enough to take part in it, but also the duty of my generation. It is only through voting and caring about who our leaders are that we can prevent another holocaust or race riot. Only through voting can we preclude what is now happening in Latvia and Austria from taking place in my new homeland. It is our obligation to build a country of tolerance, not hate, of peace, and not violence.

There is no single silver bullet that can wipe political indifference off the face of the earth, but there are many recommendations. I believe that my generation must be educated on the importance of politics and the changes that they, themselves, can induce simply by participation. It is not up to the select few to run our country; it is up to us. In the former Soviet Union, voting was simply a formality; the Communist Party predetermined all future leaders, ignoring the will of the people. People had no say in their government, but here the situation is different. We can make our voices heard, and we can make a difference. Thus, if young adults realize that they could influence the course of history, voting participation would undoubtedly skyrocket.