Frederick Douglass once said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” This quote reminds people that the act of voting is not just a right; it is a demand for their voices to be heard. Through voting, citizens' voices are heard and respected. It allows people to choose leaders who represent them, their interests, and make decisions for the future and how it shapes the country. Without the freedom to vote, people won’t have a way to express themselves and don’t have the power to influence things such as education or justice. Throughout United States history, many people have fought for the right to vote. African Americans and women have fought very hard for voting rights. Every single vote has made the democracy stronger and allows more people to be heard, adding more voices to the conversation. However, there are some unfair voting systems that try to silence a few groups of people, which is why protecting voting rights is very important. Voting is vital because it gives people the power to shape a better future for themselves and the future generations.