Are you registered to vote? Do you vote? Does your vote matter? If you answered no to any of these questions, you are not alone. I am registered, but honestly, in the past, before last year’s presidential election, I thought my vote didn’t make a difference. Someone else’s ballot would inevitably cancel mine out, so why bother? Don’t get me wrong, I voted, but not in all races, and rarely in a local one. People used to consider casting their ballot to be an honor. Our right to vote didn’t happen overnight. When did the patriotism fade? When did it become okay not to participate? If you look at the history behind your right to vote, you will find it has not been an easy road. Initially, only white Protestant male property owners had that right. Through the blood, sweat, and perseverance of those before us, Amendments XV and XIX have solidified the right for a U.S. citizen to register and cast a ballot. Unfortunately, the battle continues. In 2008 certain states passed measures tha...