As election season draws closer, political ads and campaigns are blasted everywhere. Perhaps you’ve seen some on TV or Twitter or even signs outside the local library. It’s impossible to escape during the final months of the year. They are everywhere, trying to bring your attention to the candidates and issues on the ballots.

Fair enough. I always ignored them until now. I do my best to pay attention now as I have pre-registered to vote in order to be able to express my voice in this upcoming election (as I turn 18 just barely before the election).

It’s an important year in terms of politics. It is the Midterms. Now, what does that even mean? Why is it called that and is it even relevant? The answer: yes. Some Americans only consider voting every four years for the presidential election, but voting during this two-year stretch (and even every year) is necessary.

To explain the Midterms simply, it’s the halfway point of the presidency and this election can control the agenda of the next two years. Seats of Congress are up for reelection. All the House of Representative seats need to be voted on every two years, and 1/3 of the Senate appears on the ballot. This year, one of Florida’s Senate positions (aka Marco Rubio’s spot) is in the 1/3 for reelection. The outcome of the election can change who’s in control of the House or Senate and thus which laws will pass in the next Congressional Session.

Also on the 2022 ballot, Florida’s governor’s position is up for reelection. Republican incumbent Gov. Ron Desantis will face off against the Democrat nominee Former Gov. Charlie Crist for the position. Gubernatorial races reflect the leadership of the state and is like the presidential election confined to one state. The future of the state is in the hands of the election. For example, we see abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights up in the air on the ballots.

The way I see it, politicians truly only care about two things: money and votes. As a teenager, I can’t (and honestly don’t want to) give money to some politician. I don’t want to support corruption and bribery. This isn’t the political machine as I wouldn’t get anything out of it except maybe the possibility of a law I want passed. Politicians should be listening to their constituents whether or not they support their campaign. So, the only thing I can do is go out and vote.

It is your constitutional right as an American to vote and no one can take that away from anyone. Voting allows everyone to have a say in their democracy. You can vote on laws and leaders of your choice, no one else’s. Voting reflects your values and what you want to see in the world.

If you don’t vote, you don’t get heard, and then someone else’s voice speaks for you… and most times, people don’t like that. At least attempting to vote and express your opinion (even if the election doesn’t swing the way you wish) is taking control of what you can.

Voting may seem insignificant, but in the grand scheme of it all, it isn’t. It may be cliché of me to say, but truly, everyone’s vote matters. Everyone’s voice matters.

The last day to register to vote is Oct. 11, so if you will be 18 by Election Day or want to get prepared for the day you turn 18, register to vote online before that date.