By Konstantina Manoli

We cannot deny that the exercise of voting rights serves as a powerful tool for voicing opinions and influencing policies. As a matter of fact, throughout the elections in general, we all choose our voice, the people who we, personally, consider to be the best suited to represent us, our beliefs and our value systems. However, most of the time the majority of people and especially us, young people, tend to overlook the power of voting.

We passionately declare our desire to change the world, to create a better future for all of us and for the next generations. However, somewhere in the middle of this process, when we feel that our opinions, our values and our ideals do not matter anymore or that we have no power, we give up.

Indeed, as a young woman from Greece, I know exactly how this feels. I'm familiar with the frustration of having our voices go unheard, witnessing the infringement of our rights and experiencing the sense of helplessness that arises when it seems like there's nothing more we can do. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don't unfold as planned. It is in these moments, surrounded by the echoes of our efforts, that we often forget a fundamental truth - our vote is our own power! As Barack Obama once said: 'There is no such thing as a vote that doesn't matter'.

Regrettably, I don't think this is solely my experience or exclusive to being Greek, young, or a woman. The truth is that many individuals share this sentiment regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, religion, or their personal circumstances.

Voting is our collective voice in shaping the future we desire. Taking matters into our own hands ensures that our dreams and values resonate in the decisions that shape our society. We have to act, we need to because our vote is a key, unlocking the door to a future where the echoes of empowered youth resonate.

And remember the wise words of John Lewis, 'If not us, then who? If not now, then when?'