As a citizen in America, voting is one of the most important responsibilities we have, but too many people treat it like it doesn’t matter. During every election, millions of Americans don’t show up to vote, even though the result can affect everything in our daily lives, like the amount of tax we pay, the prices of everyday goods and what rights we have. That’s why voting should be mandatory.

Mandatory voting would lead to greater representation of citizens in America. As of now, people who vote tend to be older or in a higher class of society. This makes it hard for change to take place, making laws and policies that often only support one class or type of people. If voting were mandatory, politicians would have to cater to everyone’s needs, not just one group.

“I feel like a lot of people my age don’t think their votes count, so they skip it,” said Isabelle Howard, a senior. “But if it was required, they’d at least be part of the conversation.”

A democracy is supposed to represent the people, but it’s hard to say it’s happening when only 60% of people vote. When more people vote, we get a clear picture of what the citizens want, which also helps to prevent extreme candidates from winning just because their supporters are the loudest.

“If we all live here, we should all have a say,” said sophomore Adam Stransky. “Mandatory voting could help even things out.”

Some people think forcing people to vote isn’t fair. But we already require things like taxes and jury duty because it’s part of being a responsible citizen. Voting should be the same way.

In the end, mandatory voting wouldn’t take away our freedom, it would actually make our system more fair. If we all have to live under the laws the government passes, then we should all have a say in who makes them.