Essay #2: "Does Voting Matter?"

Voting for a candidate in a democratic election in the United States of America can be seen as irrational for a variety of reasons. First, there are multiple costs for voting, and a person may or may not want to pay or be even be able to afford the cost. Another reason why voting can be seen as irrational is the time consumption it requires. With the numerous hurdles one must overcome just to register and also with the large quantity of time one must allot just for voting on election day, it is reasonable and rational for one to stay home and be lazy since it is much easier. Voting also requires the voter to be informed on the candidates and their positions on important issues, resulting in more time that must be spent by the voter. Also, because the chance of affecting an election is low, it is not plainly irrational to not participate. However, despite all of these reasonable reasons, voting does matter, for it shows the general public opinion and it allows for a person to express the power granted to him by the basic principles of democracy. Also, voting is a right granted to American citizens. Therefore, many people pride themselves in exercising their right to vote. Lastly, and most importantly, if every person considers voting to be irrational and do not vote, then the purpose of an election is not achieved and the democratic process fails, for the general public/majority opinion is not influencing the government.