To the editor:

Today I write to inform the people of the United States that they all possess a potential known to you but choose not to use it. This power is the right and responsibility to vote and voice ideas in society. Voting rights have been fought for since the beginning of this nation.

Many groups of Americans struggled for this right even after the Constitution. Women suffragists started having conferences in 1840 and continued to work for the women’s rights movement. There were bold, courageous women who voted illegally, wrote articles and used peaceful protest tactics, like picketing. Another convincing method that 30 women used was going on a hunger strike. Finally, the federal government capitulated to the women’s determination; in 1920, the 19th Amendment was passed to give women suffrage. It took them more than a century to earn what was rightfully theirs but had been denied. Other minority groups who labored for rights were African-Americans, 18-year-olds and people without property. It took them decades to obtain the democracy we have now.

Throughout history, people without suffrage have demanded democracy. What will it take for us to see the value of having choice? Voting is the only way we can bring about change and developments. We should honor the past people of America by utilizing the right to vote and eliminating unfair restrictions. Voting is a privilege! Do it for the future and your children, for what you vote on today may affect generations afterward.

Ji Hye Ban,

Lawrence