Why should I vote?

If half the people in the United States vote, can it be said that the government truly represents "the people"? And are the people of the United States active citizens if they don't vote? What are the policy consequences if America's people don't vote? Democratic governments such as the United States cannot disregard the interests of a voting population, but if the citizens of this country do not vote, then politicians do not necessarily need to heed their interests. It is necessary for the people of a democratic country to constitutionally voice their opinions as to which political party best supports the overall interests of the nation, and ultimately themselves. One of the most effective ways to represent oneself is to vote; choosing not to vote can be equated with not voicing one's opinion. Not voting also adds to the increasing sense of political alienation already prevalent in this country, and when members of a particular demographic (such as those in a low income bracket or a certain age group) don't vote, they become more powerless because they don't have the voice to influence social policy. In order for citizens to have a say in the nation's future, voting is imperative.

source:p.8 The Handy Politics Answer Book by Gina Misiroglu