I found myself standing at a crossroads regarding the election. For many people, voting is seen as a fundamental right and responsibility. A civic duty that comes with reaching adulthood. But after carefully considering all aspects of the situation, I have decided not to vote in the election.

First and foremost, I think the pressure to vote can sometimes overshadow the actual importance of making an informed decision. Everyone around me, especially on social media, talked about how voting is essential. I get it. It is a big deal, and yes, I’m now legally an adult. But I do not feel prepared to make such a huge decision when I do not fully understand all the issues at play. I spent the last few months reading about the candidates and policies, but nothing has truly resonated with me. I did not feel confident enough in my knowledge to make such a big decision. 

Social media has only made the decision more difficult. From TikTok rants to Instagram stories, everyone seems to have an opinion on who to vote for and why. It is not just about the issues anymore, either. It has become a platform for public shaming. If you do not post about voting or proudly declare your political beliefs, you are somehow labeled as ignorant and uninformed. It is almost as if I’m expected to vote just because I can, without ever considering whether I’m truly ready to do so. 

This peer pressure isn’t subtle either. On TikTok, there are constant reminders to “use your voice” and “get out and vote” as if casting a ballot is the only way to prove that you care about the future. While I understand the meaning behind these messages, it felt like everyone had forgotten that voting is a deeply personal decision. There is this collective push for everyone to align with the same political values or parties, but not enough space is given for those who might need more time to understand the reality of the issues.

I’ve also realized that social media often creates a distorted sense of urgency and fear of missing out. Every time I’d scroll through my feed, I’d see people my age posting pictures of their “I Voted” stickers, and it made me feel like I was falling behind or not living up to some societal expectation. The peer pressure was noticeable, and it is hard not to feel like I’m letting down my generation by sitting this one out. But, as much as I want to fit in with my peers, I have had to remind myself that my choice not to vote is based on my self-awareness and willingness to learn, not on a desire to conform.

It is not that I do not care about the issues at hand. I’m passionate about many topics, but I feel that voting without a clear understanding of the candidates and their platforms could do more harm than good. I did not want to be swayed by what my friends or influencers were posting. I wanted to take the time to understand the complexities of each issue and what each candidate stands for. Voting is a privilege, not a requirement, and I wanted to exercise it when I feel truly prepared to make an informed decision.