History shows even 1 vote will make a difference in upcoming presidential election

@BarackObama @MittRomney #Romney #Obama2012

Within the span of the final 90-minute presidential debate, Twitter reported that more than 6.5 million political tweets were sent — all limited to 140 characters, of course. Thanks to the First Amendment, Americans can post their political views on social media and exercise freedom of speech.

Despite our rights, social media is not a democracy. One status on Facebook won’t necessarily make a world of difference to the election.

But one vote will.

Don’t believe me? History can speak for itself on the power one vote holds. In 1776, one vote gave the United States the English language instead of German. In 1875, one vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic.

Without one vote for each, California, Oregon, Texas and Washington would never have become states, and our flag would only have 46 stars.

In 1923, it was one vote that gave Adolf Hitler leadership of the Nazi Party.

Finally, in 1876, it was one vote that declared Rutherford B. Hayes as the 19^th president of the United States.

One vote can make history and it’s because of history that we need to vote. It is our civic responsibility.

There was a time in this great country where only white, adult male property owners had the right to vote. Because of countless individuals before us who worked tirelessly to ensure voter equality, most of us just have to turn 18 to be eligible to vote.

Students make up an enormous amount of the voting bloc for this upcoming election and thus have enormous political influence. According to RocktheVote.com, the Millennial Generation makes up one quarter of the entire electorate — meaning 25 percent of the election will be determined by young people.

As American citizens, we all have a duty to democracy to let our voices be heard. Voting gives us license to complain about the government and politics. Voting enables us to post our thoughts on Twitter and Facebook. Voting empowers us to make history and make a difference. Voting allows us to be a part of the most famous democracy in the world.

Voting gives us a voice.

So, hashtag all you want, but the reality is real change will not occur via status or Twitter updates, but in the voting booth.

Go America. Go vote.

Gabriella Rusk
Class of 2016
Broadcast and digital journalism major
NYPIRG voter mobilization campaign manager