1. Every vote counts

2. “ Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people” – Abraham Lincoln America is one of the biggest democracies in the world. In democracy, elections are held and candidates are elected to form the government. However, by merely getting 15 - 20% approval of the population, one could be representing you at the local, state or national level. Here is an example

3. Population of America 320,000,000 Take out 25% younger than 18 years 240,000,000 non-US citizens, illegal 230,000,000 Unregistered 25% 173,000,000 People who do not show-up to vote 106,000,000 Invalid votes, counting errors 105,000,000 Independent candidates 100,000,000 Votes needed to win 50,000,000 50,000,000 = less than 16% of the population of the America Don’t you want to be included in that 16% population? Don’t you want to present yourself and your country?

4. Many organizations work on a volunteer basis to encourage better participation in voting process. However, there is a real need to educate, inspire, motivate, and encourage people to become part of this democratic process by casting their votes. Here are two real stories to emphasize the importance of each and every vote. Awareness of these stories will encourage participation in elections..

5. In one of the world’s largest democracy, in a state election there were about 200,000 registered voters. The counting of votes took place on Dec. 8 th 2008 and candidates secured 62216 and 62215 votes. Candidate B lost the election by just one vote. At the request of the election agent, a recounting took place but the results remained same. The case was taken to the Supreme Court for election irregularities specifically with a charge that candidate A’s wife voted twice. After 4 years the court made a decision in favor of candidate B but it was too late for re- election. The point is - every vote counts.

6. Three years ago, in a local mayor’s election, one candidate lost by one vote. The election was challenged because winner’s father voted as ‘absentee ballot’ and he died before the actual election date. Therefore, his vote was rejected and re-elections were held. In re- election, the other candidate won. Again, every vote counts.

7. Therefore; Register to vote Remember to vote Remind others to vote Remember to cast your vote right Every vote counts! I am Ami. I am 14 years old and I approve this message!!