SALT LAKE CITY — Living in a state where the presidential race is rarely, if ever, in question, it can be difficult to believe one vote actually makes a difference. And for a majority of states, the outcome is similar. But is that really the point, and should that deter you from voting?

From an early age young Americans are told about the importance of voting — a right of passage, so to speak, akin to an adult life. Elections are the means by which Americans elect the nation's representatives — a basic freedom fought for in the infancy of the country. From it's most basic principles, elections allow Americans to live in a free country and to have a voice.

But why do so few Americans actually vote? Countries around the world fight for the opportunity to vote or to at least have a say in who governs them. Even some Americans have fought to have a vote in the history of the United States. And yet, many struggle to cast their vote on Election Day for varying reasons.

In the 2008 presidential election, approximately 57.5 percent of the voting age population voted, electing then-Sen. Barack Obama as president. Since 1960, an average of 55.3 percent of the voting age population has voted in the presidential election. That is barely a majority of Americans who are of the age to vote.

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Turnout is drastically lower in the midterm elections, averaging 39.8 percent since 1962.

Simply, voting matters and is the first step of representation.

Presidential elections get all the fanfare and attention (and a greater share of the voting turnout), but it is the state and local elections where your voice is truly counted. The United States was founded on the federalist model, where most needs are provided at the state and local level. Representatives are elected to "protect" and "defend" the state's interests.

We vote for representatives who most closely identify with our individual belief, passions and desires, even if our candidate is not the victor in the end. We vote to send a message of approval or disapproval. If the politicians who represent us are not protecting our interest, we should vote them out.

Voting is the simplest of steps to encourage change. If you want lower taxes, vote for a politician who has a plan to lower taxes. If you want to stop illegal immigration, vote for a politician who has a plan to stop illegal immigration.

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Opinion: Why we're tired of the presidential race and politics in general

he relentless cycle of the presidential race is finally nearing an end, with just over two weeks to go before a candidate is elected president of the United States. And yet, many Americans struggle to make it to Election Day without losing their sanity.

As a result, politicians are always trying to determine voter sentiment — what do the constituents want? Why do you think Mitt Romney is focused on jobs? It's because millions of Americans are without jobs. Why do you think President Barack Obama is focused on improving health care? It's because many Americans have no health care or struggle to afford the health care they have.

At the local level, why do candidates talk about increasing funds for city roads or improving the quality of the drinking water? It's because they're the issues that people care about. But if you are silent, no one will know about it.

The issues you support will be recognized one way or another. It may not be this election, and it may not be the next, but politicians are dependent upon us for their job. They must convince us that their plan is the best way for us to succeed as a community. But if we don't vote, we send the message that they don't need us.

What are the issues that are of most importance to you: immigration, education, jobs, women's rights, abortion, taxes, Afghanistan, civil rights, foreign policy, currency, trade, poverty, technology, gun rights, environment, energy, security, families, religion or war?

If you want a voice on any of the above issues or other not named, let it be heard by voting. Vote for the candidates that support most, if not all, of the issues you want addressed. While your one vote may not be the deciding factor in any one race, it is the first step to being heard.

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