This election season has been one of the most highly contested races in recent history. Many say the two presidential candidates are unqualified for the job, and that they are disappointments limiting the potential of their parties. So many people have given up on their party’s candidates, and they’ve surrendered to the idea of staying home on Election Day.

Sitting out the election is not an option. It is crucial now more than ever to get out to the polls.

America has a long and outstanding history of being the greatest country in the world. It’s a country of freedom and prosperity, and a country where the economy is prosperous and hard-working individuals have found success. America has been the envy of the world because we’ve allowed people the freedom of opportunity and thought and the freedom to truly be successful. America allows its citizens the freedom to control their lives and the freedom to control their government.

This is still the America we know and love today. But in order to preserve our country and its extraordinary legacy we must elect leaders who represent America’s traditional values.

We are living in a time when polarization has exponentially increased, resulting in a country torn apart, unable to unify under the basic American principles. We need leaders who value our country’s legacy, and will once again unify the nation.

Take a step back. Step away from the political rhetoric that flanks both sides of the aisle. Distance yourself from the press coverage and the perceived judgments of your peers.

Look at the actual policies behind each candidate. Do their policies benefit the American people, or do they aid corrupt politicians?

Think not only of yourself. Think of your friends, your family  and their future. Think of the world as we know it, versus a world where freedom has been lost.

Nov. 8, vote for candidates who will protect our freedoms as Americans. Vote for candidates who value the different cultures that diversify America, but who also desire to protect Americans from the threats of terrorism.

Elect leaders who want to protect our freedoms: the freedom to choose our own religion, the freedom to choose whom to marry, the freedom to own a gun and the freedom to criticize our government.

It is crucial that we elect leaders who will once again unite this country and instill patriotism in Americans so we can once again respect each other and respect those men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

This Nov. 8 we need to elect leaders who value our Constitution and the principles our country was founded on, not leaders who want to rewrite it and limit our freedoms through overarching government regulations. We need to elect leaders who value the people and their basic American freedoms.

This election you cannot sit on the side and convince yourself that by not voting you won’t be to blame. As an American it’s your civic duty to participate in the government that was created for you. Vote not based on the distorted image the media paints of the “correct” candidate, vote not based on fear of others’ judgments. Instead, vote in confidence that you are improving the future of this country. It is your responsibility. That means voting for the candidate who best represents your interests, American ideals and the principles of freedom.

This Nov. 8 get out and vote for candidates who will preserve America’s amazing legacy founded on freedom. Not every country allows its citizens the freedom to participate. We live under a government that was created for the people by the people. As an American citizen, it is your duty to make a decision and vote on Nov. 8.

Emilia Rohl ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in journalism and communication arts.