With the announcement of candidates for the 2016 Presidential election, complaints are beginning about the current and future state of the nation’s government and the economy.

People hope their concerns will be heard and candidates will rectify problems. Yet, many who complain do not vote. The American people have a poor reputation for showing up at the polls.

The key to reforming government is not through vocalizing but through active participation: voting.

Too many would-be voters are quick to condemn the government for making decisions and legislation they disagree with. However, complaining with no action behind it solves nothing.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 206 million citizens were eligible to vote in 2015 but fewer than 150 million actually registered. Of those who did vote, most were female over 40 with a college education.

The lack of participation of active voters establishes a selective voice for citizens. If only certain demographics vote for office holders and legislation, the choices made by government leaders reflects only their wishes.

American Government teacher Wendy Bowers said, “If we don’t vote, we allow other people to make changes or to be our voice. If we look at our government today, 50 percent of our voters are of the older generation. They grew up in a different time, and sometimes they are out of touch with the environment or the culture that has evolved since they were our age. When young people go out to vote, their voices are heard more and they can make that difference, versus having an older generation speak for them.”

If people seek change, they must initiate it.

By voting, we do not solely better our nation but we utilize a right that millions fought for and even more have never been afforded. It is not only our right but our obligation to elect officers who we believe will best serve our nation, who we believe will perpetuate the American way of life.