When I was a senior at Christiansburg High School in Virginia, one of the requirements of our curriculum was to complete a U.S. Government course. Our small public school had one government teacher for all the seniors, Miss Maggie Weaver. Miss Weaver was passionate about fostering a love for civic responsibility, and one thing she was adamant about was making sure we were all registered to vote. To Miss Weaver, voting wasn’t just a right, it was a duty—one she made sure we all understood.

With the election just days away, whether or not you had a Miss Weaver in your life, here are some compelling reasons why your vote truly matters:

Voting shapes your local community.

While national elections grab the headlines, it’s local elections that directly impact your day-to-day life. Decisions about school funding, property taxes, and community services are made by the people you elect. Your vote in these smaller elections can create a ripple effect in your community.

You help hold politicians accountable.

Voting is your tool to keep politicians in check. If they fail to deliver or fall short of their promises, your vote can send a clear message. It’s one of the most powerful ways to ensure public officials remain accountable to the people they serve. Local politicians see my voting record and actually come to our door. One year, I had just read the policies of all of the local candidates and a few days later our door bell rang. I answered the door, recognized the candidate and chatted with him. I said, “I have read all your goals, and I am especially interested in how you are going to create more affordable housing. What’s your plan?” He didn’t have one.

You influence the country’s future.

Even though you might feel like one vote won’t make a difference, history tells us otherwise. Elections are often decided by razor-thin margins, and each vote counts. The collective power of individual votes helps determine policies that shape the future of healthcare, education, and the economy.

Voting protects your rights.

With voting rights often under threat from restrictive laws and gerrymandering, your participation is a way to defend this fundamental right. When you vote, you’re standing up for your rights and ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

Voting impacts international relations.

When we were traveling in Australia a couple of years ago, and we chatted with locals, they asked us about our government and our leaders. There were two separate instances when stopped to have a meal and we were asked about US policies. Traveling helped me realize that who we elect influences how the U.S. interacts with the rest of the world. From foreign policies to trade agreements, the leaders you choose play a role on the global stage. Your vote is part of shaping our country’s position and relationships worldwide.

Voting is a hard-won right.

In college I took a woman’s history class and a large portion of the class was devoted to what it took for women to earn the right to vote. This past summer, while in New York City, I saw the musical Suffs, which was a reminder of all I learned in that amazing class. It’s easy to take voting for granted, but it wasn’t always available to everyone. For centuries, only a select few had this privilege. Today, millions have the opportunity to vote thanks to the efforts of those who fought hard for this right. Honor their legacy by casting your ballot.

Local elections are often decided by just a few votes.

Local elections might not grab national headlines, but they are often the most competitive. Many have been decided by just a handful of votes. In some cases, elections come down to a few individuals — your vote could be the one that makes the difference.

Voting isn’t just a process — it’s your chance to make a real difference. Even if you’ve never seen yourself as politically active, your vote can shape the future of your community and country. Don’t miss this opportunity. Stand up, be counted, and vote — because your voice truly matters.