Why I Exercise My Democratic Right to Vote
April 12th, 2011 by Michael Kwan
“I don’t like any of the candidates, so why should I even bother voting? What’s the point? They’re all crooks and are only out for themselves.”
Voter apathy is increasingly common and I completely understand why. More and more, it’s starting to look like it doesn’t matter if you turn left or if you turn right, because you end up being not happy with what the government is doing for you. I get that. I feel that too. Even so, I feel it is of paramount importance that we all exercise our democratic right to vote.
In this way, it really does sound like it doesn’t matter which way I turn. I think that I am fiscally conservative, but socially liberal… and there are no parties that really lean toward that quadrant of the political spectrum. However, when you look at places like Libya and Egypt, where people are literally dying for democracy, you really start to appreciate what we do have in the Western world.
You do have a choice. You do have the opportunity to pick your political leaders. If you’re not happy with one party or the other, you can do something about it. Some people may think that a single person can’t make a difference, but individuals are the only ones who have ever made a difference. We combine our efforts and we can make for a better country, a better world, and a better society.
Get past your political apathy. Educate yourself on the issues, because your vote matters. If you don’t make your voice heard (even if it is in an anonymous manner), you don’t really have much of a right to complain. You have the opportunity to make a difference.
I’m going to be doing a lot of voting in the next few months. In addition to the federal election next month, there’s the BC HST referendum, as well as a possible election for a new Premier of BC. My vote matters and so does yours. Exercise your democratic right.
Tags: democracy, personal decisions, politics
Filed under Stuff.
Good post Michael. Right now I don’t think any of the politicians are doing any of us much good, especially here in Florida. My question to people when they complain about government is: Did you vote? If you didn’t then you have no right to complain.
If you don’t exercise your right to vote, then you have given up your right to voice your opinion. I refuse to listen to anyone who does not participate.
Exactly. I’m not exactly a fan of any of the candidates, but you have to choose the lesser of two (or more) evils.
Over here, General Election is expected to be held within the next 2 months.
I’m not sure if it would sound surprising to you guys, but some citizens here have not voted in all their adult life! I’m glad to say I don’t belong to this group of people.
It is not entirely due to political apathy of the population, but rather, a case of a broken democratic system devised by the ruling party who had ruled this nation for close to 50 years!
Sigh…
Mainly adults do not vote, because they are not interested with the politics people. There are many politics people, who just say false promises, and get a vote. Anyway, are you going to vote in the next general elections?
Yes, of course!
I’m looking forward to exercise my rights as a citizen!
That is a good habit. As a citizen of your country, voting is a right for you.
good job micheal. Vote…we all have to. Its more productive then just watching hockey and doing absolutely nothing.
its vote time in my state aswelll in India . going back home 500 kms away to caste my vote tomorrow . time to bring some change
I am definitely suffering from voter apathy when it has come down to the choices of the candidates over the past few years. But I am still so glad I still have the right to choose who I would like to see in office.
[...] start out with Ray Ebersole, continuing the political theme that I started yesterday. He completely understands the notion of voter apathy, based on how [...]
[...] More importantly, she reminds us of the upcoming federal election and why it is so important that we all cast our votes. If you have not yet decided on who gets your ballot, educate yourself on the issues, learn about [...]
[...] no wonder that voter apathy is an increasingly prominent problem. I still intend on exercising my democratic right to vote, but it’s easy to grow disenchanted with their false promises. It wouldn’t be fair to [...]
I have every right to complain if I don’t vote. The first amendment guarantees me the right to complain. It is also completely legal to not vote. Therefore, I have the right to complain if I don’t vote. Why is that so hard to understand?
I don’t vote for the lesser of two evils because I would still be voting for an evil. The fact that Americans feel they must vote for the lesser of two evils is proof-positive that our system is flawed from within. Lethal injection, or the chair, sir? Please reluctantly choose one since you have no other options.
This nation has been on a steady decline for 40 years, and it’s not because we have been voting for the wrong people. Voting doesn’t seem to be doing anybody much good. Save resources and stay home on election day. These people will make it into office without your help. Voting gives the minions the illusion of freedom and choice. Trust me, you have no choice.
If you don’t vote don’t complain when you don’t like something. You forfeited your right to complain the minute you didn’t vote. You can write in any name you want. It could be your own, or you can vote no for an amendment, but if you don’t vote then I have no sympathy for your whining.
I was talking about voting for the president. I will vote on amendments and propositions because my voice is actually heard.
I’m not asking for your sympathy. I will not choose for a lesser of two evils. It’s my right not to not vote and complain. By the way, whining is whining, regardless if you vote or not. Casting a vote doesn’t make you any less of a whiner.
You go ahead and keep voting for people who claim to have your best interests in mind. I enjoy the entertainment derived from watching voters develop temporary amnesia every 4 years as they scramble to the voting booths — actually believing that things will change. It’s like watching a cat chase a laser pointer. Unlike people, the cat eventually realizes that catching the light is impossible.