“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves — and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

Over the last 535 days, we have witnessed one of the most unusual and hotly contested presidential elections in our history. In 41 days, this country will make one of the most important decisions in its history, and you will help make it. Here are six reasons why you need to vote on November 8:

This election will be historic — no matter which party wins.
The American people will either elect the first woman as president of the United States or the first president never to hold public or military office. Whether it’s Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump taking the oath of office on January 20, 2017, historians will be writing about his or her rise to the presidency for generations to come. Casting your ballot on November 8 will literally help write history.

You’re a Greek, and democracy was born in ancient Greece.
As SigEps, we embrace and celebrate our Greek heritage in ritual, values and in programs like the Tragos Quest to Greece. In the 6th century BC, the Athenian Archon Solon instituted a series of reforms that created the world’s first democracy. It was expected of all male Athenian citizens that they vote directly on the proposed laws of the polis. It’s part of your heritage as a SigEp to take part in our democracy and vote for the men and women you believe are fit to lead on all levels of government.

You pay taxes.
The way the federal, state and local governments spend your tax dollars is directly impacted by the way you vote. Whether you believe we need to increase investments in social programs and public works projects or that we need to reduce government spending overall, the only way to make those beliefs a reality is to vote for someone who believes the same thing.

You’ve never voted before.
For many of you, this could be the first election since you turned 18. Laws on registering to vote vary by state. Learn how to register to vote in your state and cast your first ballot this November!

You’re passionate about a particular issue.
Whether it’s gay marriage, abortion, guns, the environment, health care or some other issue — the federal, state and local governments have a direct effect on it. If you are passionate about an issue and want to see something happen, then you need to vote for candidates who share the same view.

Many of your brothers have fought, and some have died, to protect your right to vote.
SigEps have answered the call to serve our country for generations, none more famously than General Anthony NUTS! McAuliffe, West Virginia. From the beaches of Normandy to the deserts of Afghanistan, your brothers have fought and sacrificed to protect your right to vote — put it to good use.

In the end, there are thousands of reasons to vote in this election, and not a single good reason to stay home. Your vote matters, and it has never been more important for you to vote than in 2016. But remember, elections happen more than just every four years and for more than just president.

Your alderman, school board members and mayor will more than likely have a bigger impact on your daily life than the president of the United States. Get educated about your local and state elections, and vote for the men and women you feel are best suited for the job. There is no doubt the presidency is the most important job in the United States, but every election matters.

Vote in November, vote in April, and vote again in two years.