As citizens, we are told that our vote is what counts most, and that voting is our way to influence our elected officials. What isn't mentioned is that anyone who meets basic age and residency guidelines can run for public office themselves relatively easily.

Most people think it is expensive to run for public office, and as a candidate myself, I can assure you that a truly successful campaign does cost money, and it can cost a lot, judging from the fliers and advertisements I keep getting in the mail, but the basics are not as expensive as you might think.

In Missouri, where I am running for governor, registration for a state-wide office costs $200 and some paperwork, but the filing has to be in person at the state capitol, and the trip itself can run a pretty penny these days. Other, smaller offices require less of an expenditure, less than $100, and city or state district offices must still be registered for in person, but at a local government office, requiring less of a journey.

There are other ways to run for public office as well, including gathering a number of signatures on a petition or simply registering as a write-in candidate, both of which are free to do.

So vote, and vote your conscience, true to your beliefs, and never stop speaking out for how you believe, no matter what that is.

But if you really want to get involved in making the world a better place through politics, or helping to rework how politics effect you and your loved ones, join up and run for office.

The more real people we get into office, the less career politicians who are running things, the more likely it is that our public servants will listen to the average voter, the more say the average person has, and the better our world can become.

Now I'm not saying that any one person can make massive change alone, but as I sign all of my emails, "Many small people, doing many small things, can, and DO change the world".

Are you one small person? Are you willing to do one small thing? Can you help to change the world for the better?