To be dissatisfied with both presidential candidates in the upcoming election is one thing, but to “resolve” this issue by putting your vote up for sale undermines the entire American election process.

A listing on eBay recently was taken down after 12 hours because an Ohio man, James Pengov, was attempting to sell his vote in the presidential election. His starting bid – of just $50 – shows how little the democratic process means to some voters.

The right to vote granted by the Constitution is one right Americans have had to fight for. Until the 15th Amendment was passed in 1870, only white males were permitted to vote. Women couldn’t participate until 1920. And blacks were faced with voting restrictions until 1965.

By trying to sell his vote, Pengov single-handedly sabotaged all that our ancestors struggled to achieve.

Pengov said he didn’t know it was illegal to sell a vote and decided to sell his because he was dissatisfied with both political parties. He lost interest in the election, he said.

He also missed the greater picture. If Pengov is dissatisfied with the state of American politics, not voting won’t change a thing.

But voting can.

Voting is a way to make a difference. If you don’t like the current state of affairs in our nation, elect the representatives who will fight to change it. Don’t sit back and accept your dissatisfaction, and don’t get caught in the mind-set that your vote doesn’t matter. In the 1960 presidential race, John F. Kennedy’s victory over Richard Nixon was narrower than one vote per precinct.

The University Writing Center, located in Stevenson South, is sponsoring a voter registration drive on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the next three weeks. Take your responsibility as an American citizen seriously and make sure you are registered.

After all, your vote is worth much more than $50. Cast a ballot Nov. 2 and prove it.