I had the privilege recently of viewing a film that brought to life the struggle of African Americans, in the state of Alabama, to obtain the right to vote. That was approximately fifty years ago. The film spurred me to do further research on historical facts in relation to adult suffrage which is essentially the right of adult citizens to vote. Universal adult suffrage does not restrict voting by race, gender, religious belief, wealth or social status. However, it took several centuries to get to this point.
Historically, around the globe, only males had the right to vote based on property requirements and by extension social status. Some countries restricted the right to vote to only persons who practiced a particular religion. Race also placed a significant role in voting rights in several parts of the world. The rights of women to vote, for some countries, came more than a generation after all males (regardless of wealth) had the right to vote.
These rights did not come easily. They were the result of extended periods of advocacy, struggle, oppression and, in some cases, even the death of those seeking the rights. Many persons have sacrificed over the years to ensure that generations behind them have a right to vote. I believe this is because those before us recognized that we can only be in charge of our own destiny if we have a say in the governance of the country in which we live. Our right to vote gives us the power to change systems, to hold those in public office accountable and to decide on the future we want for ourselves and generations after us.
It is for these reasons, and more, that I am often disheartened when I hear persons say that they are not going to the polls to exercise their right to vote in the 2015 general elections. I assume that these persons are not impressed with the candidates or parties vying for office. Even if this is the case, I believe that the importance of the electoral process is such that we must be able to select a candidate or party that we believe is the best option given the slate of options that is presented to us.
In my view, the decision not to vote is not so much an indictment on the persons presenting themselves for office, as some may suggest, but rather an indictment on the persons who neglect to exercise their right. It is an indication that those persons are not interested in the development of Anguilla, the future of their children or grandchildren or in the legacy that we leave for generations of Anguillians to come. Non-voters allow decisions that impact their daily lives – and their future – to be made for them by others who turn out at the polls. Therefore, by choice, non-voters are passive, politically powerless, disengaged citizens.
Additionally, not exercising a right that we now so freely enjoy is an insult to the many men and women – those renowned or unsung heroes and heroines – who would have put their own lives and the lives of their families on the line to ensure that we can now exercise that right. It means that we do not truly appreciate the sacrifices that were made, nor do we understand the significance of the right that many are still struggling to obtain. We have become complacent and have taken for granted the democratic freedoms and privileges we have.
I encourage us not to become victims of our own complacency. It is the responsibility of all of us, who have the right to do so, to go the polls on Election Day and vote. Let us exercise our right responsibly and after serious thought. Until then, we must listen keenly to the issues and plans presented by all the candidates so that we can determine who, in our view, are best able to lead Anguilla in the direction we believe it ought to go; in whose hands will our grandchildren’s future be more secure; and who will help us to realise our goals and aspirations for ourselves and for our country. These are some of the matters we should be pondering in our minds. Whatever the answer may be, on Election Day, exercise your right. Vote!
