Election Day is less than a week away, and the results will affect the direction of our political landscape for the next two years. So before I say anything more, I urge you to go out and vote! If you are registered, there is absolutely no excuse to not vote; it takes very little time and is a democratic right that we too often take for granted. Because Pennsylvania is a swing state, each vote here is impactful.

With that being said, it appears that the Democrats have some real momentum behind them this election cycle, as they have out-raised Republicans in election donations by over $300 million nationwide. That momentum is more apparent in Texas, where a historically secure Republican senate seat is being fiercely contested by newcomer Democrat Beto O’Rourke. Although O’Rourke may not win, the energy behind his campaign is evidence of a revitalized Democratic Party that is trying to undo the damages of its 2016 defeat.

In addition, the recent #MeToo campaign has prompted both sides to put greater emphasis on sexual harassment. Anger over the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has pushed more Americans to vote to elect more women into office and to combat his ideologies. Additionally, it seems that many voters are most angered by the mistreatment of women by top officials and are thus empowered to cast their vote.

The presidency of Donald Trump has been controversial and frankly embarrassing for the United States as we have begun to isolate our allies and go against our core values. As children, we learn that the United States is the land of opportunity; anyone, regardless of race, gender, or religion, can pursue their own American Dream. Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric within the past two years has resulted in an increase in fear of deportation among immigrants.

Besides the actions of Trump, there are also numerous pressing issues that the country must come to terms with, such as healthcare and climate change. It seems like everyday, more and more people are pleading with strangers on the internet in an attempt to raise money on GoFundMe to pay for life-saving procedures. Our system is not working, as one’s economic status shouldn’t restrict your access to medical treatment. Moreover, it is impossible to deny the existence of climate change. If we do not take immediate action to climate change, there will be irreversible consequences. For the sake of our generation and generations to come, we need to be vigilant and make the necessary sacrifices that will save us. By voting in the midterm elections, you can elect politicians to office who prioritize these issues.

You may feel differently than I do, but if you don’t vote, you don’t have the moral right to complain about any political decisions made in the next two years. This is your chance to have a say.

Don’t miss out. Vote Tuesday.