In the mid 1800s, democracy started to expand leading to a direct involvement of the general public in politics. Candidates began to appeal to the American people and the values, morals, and issues they stood for.

In the 2024 elections, this has yet to change. Americans are frantically searching to see which candidate aligns perfectly to their ideals by looking at their campaign promises and what they seek to change.

However, most presidents don’t fulfill many of their promises. Former President Trump broke 53 percent of his promises while President Biden has deemed close to 60 percent of projects “in the works.”

While it is simple to blame the presidents for these failed promises, American voters are looking in the wrong direction. While presidents can influence the legislative bodies of Congress, to implement change voters must conscientiously vote for the seats in Congress.

The American government is split into three branches known as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch includes the president and his cabinet and the legislative branch is made up of Congress which is split into the Senate and House of Representatives. Senate candidates serve six-year terms while House members serve two-year terms.

The legislative branch has virtually all the power to create laws, while the executive branch can only propose laws. Once a law is proposed, the House of Representatives and Senate votes on it and if there are enough votes the president either vetoes it or signs it into law. Even then Congress can override a veto.

This means that the president’s role in law making is limited. Americans have a mindset where if a certain party candidate is elected it would cause a “doomsday” scenario. Republicans fear President Biden would pass “woke” laws and Democrats fear that President Trump would limit American rights. The truth is the president himself cannot make any change. To make a law or alter one they would need the support of Congress.

A pressing issue coming up in this election is whether or not abortion rights should be up to the state. Currently, voters are considering the positions of the two presidential candidates on this issue. However, it would be far more effective to consider the positions of the people being voted into the Senate or House of Representatives. If enough people, passionate about a topic are voted into Congress they can sway everyone else.

There are many sayings which state that change begins locally, in a community. Countless political and social movements throughout history have started focusing on certain areas before the whole nation. Wildfire won’t spread throughout the nation in one night, it starts in one place and spreads.

Voting for state senators and representatives signals change in one area. For the issue of climate change, these representatives would start addressing issues like pollution and global warming in one state, then they may encourage other states, until the ideas spread to the whole Congress ultimately leading to better legislation.

Additionally, voting locally has its own benefits. Because the election is only for one state, one vote would have a larger impact than in presidential elections. Voter turnout is also much lower. This gives each person more of a voice as these elections grow critically close.

In the year 2006, an election in Connecticut was decided with a difference of only 83 votes. These elections are very influential because they decide which party controls the House of Representatives and Senate which could fundamentally change the policies that Congress would make.

Additionally, there is no electoral college filter which means that one vote definitely equal to one vote.

Therefore, in order to pass legislation it is more beneficial to vote for Congressional bodies rather than presidents because Congress has more legislative power, change starts locally, and voters have more of a voice. Every vote cast is a fundamental part of American democracy and should be sent out with careful thought. No matter how big or small the role, not a single vote should be “useless” or “wasted.”