The author argues that many people throughout history have fought and sacrificed to win the right to vote, including women, African Americans, and other marginalized groups. Not voting, therefore, discredits their efforts and neglects the importance of exercising this hard-earned privilege. The author also notes that not voting means that issues that are important to individuals are not being represented and addressed in the political system. This neglect of participation in the democratic process undermines the value of democracy itself and the efforts of those who have fought for it.