“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics,” Plato famously said, “is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” OK, so Plato was apparently more of a stick than a carrot man, but his point remains: citizenship, in a democracy, is a verb. One that Americans have taken for granted for years (barely more than half of eligible voters exercised their right to do so in 2016). But in 2020, regardless of which side you’re on, the votes we cast on 3 November remain the most direct and quantifiable way to demonstrate our membership in a democracy, the clearest path to impacting our lives and affecting the future of our country. Here, we’ve asked a few of our fellow Americans, designers all, to say why voting is important to them.

“I vote because we’re lucky to live in a democracy, and part of living in a democracy is being part of the process. My ancestors moved here and fought to protect this system, and if I don’t take part in it, my daughter may not have the same opportunities I’ve had. I’ve come to realise that if I want to see change, I have to actively participate.”

“I’m voting to literally save the country. That’s how I feel. I’m voting to protect my daughter’s future, because this current administration is actually dangerous. I’m using my vote as a weapon against tyranny.”

“[I vote because…] I might have been a bit fatalistic in the past, trusting that good generally prevails… But sometimes, the balance gets dangerous and you’ve got to speak up.”

“I vote because I can now, and while normally I’m not really that political, this election is so far beyond politics that none of us have any choice but to make our votes count. This is the most important election of our lifetimes and in order for there to be change, we have to vote.”

“When I first came to this country in 1989, my status at the time was just that of a bystander. During those times, I found myself missing out on opportunities to use my voice towards the advancement of societal betterment. Now that I have the ability to do so, I take it with a great sense of responsibility and pride. Everyone who can vote should take part in this process. Whether it’s electing the next president or your local ward candidates, this process matters as you join your voice with others to push forth change.”

“I vote to support a thriving environment for our communities and wildlife. I vote so I can be a voice for our public lands and for those who need a voice. I support stewardship and protection of wilderness for future generations.”

“I vote because it matters. If you want to help create change for injustice, inequality, corruption, and you want to make our country a better place for ourselves and our children, you need to get out there and vote. There is no reason or excuse why, if you are legally able to, you should not vote. Everyone needs to get out there and participate. That is why I vote. This is how we participate in change. We vote.”

“Voting is a beautiful thing. The people close to me know that – good and bad – I like to weigh in, whether it’s on the pizza we’re ordering or the president of the US. It’s a great time to consider the needs of my family, neighbours and people I don’t know. The opportunity and responsibility is too much to pass up.”

“I vote because now more than ever the future of humanity and planet Earth depends on it. I want to do my part for change. I want a better world for all of us.”

“I vote because, as backwards as the system is, it’s still the most important tool we have as a people to take steps to make real change.”