Are you one of those persons asking yourself why should I vote? Are you one of those persons wondering why people do not vote? Why are people not interested in the political process? Are you also one of those persons who have never taken time out to ask young people what they want, or why they do not vote?
Well, if you care about your future, and want the best things for your friends, your family, other people, and your country, you should vote in every election. You should never ignore that enormous privilege. Your vote is your voice and you deserve to be heard.
You have the right to be part of the political decision-making process that impacts all of us. Our right to vote is fundamental to our way of life. It is our responsibility to vote because our freedom depends on having a functional, representative democracy. The system only works if we participate in it. Not voting equals, you do not care!
Casting our ballots is very crucial because it gives us some collective say in how we want to be governed, and who gets to make the big decisions that affect our society. When you vote, you are vocalizing what you need, want, and believe in. You are standing up and demanding to be counted. When you do not vote, you are silencing your heart and your conscience. Not voting is like giving your consent to the status quo – essentially saying that you do not care whether anything changes.
On the other hand, by voting, you improve your chances of getting a government that actually represents you, your values and your interests. Young People Have the Power to Change Everything. Young people have the opportunity to transform Anguilla by casting their ballots. So do not squander that opportunity. If you are young and eligible to vote, you need to do your part and encourage your peers to do the same.
Young people can truly make a big difference on how our country is governed. We can demand the things we desire. Policymakers and political leaders have the power to make decisions that can affect our lives, but they will only change things if we make our voices heard. This is done by voting for politicians who truly support our cause. We can only protect our democracy if our citizens are educated and have the skills and expertise to pursue meaningful career opportunities.
We must never take our voting rights for granted. Let us be seen as doers rather than complainers. Some people are so fed up of the political process that they adopt a ‘don’t care’ attitude – but that is a self-defeating attitude.
We need to look out for each other. Voting gives us the opportunity to let our voices be heard. It is our duty to help chart our destiny. Countless people around the world do not have that privilege. They would die to win the same right to vote that we have. They want the same chance to live with dignity – to have their voices heard.
Whenever you are tempted not to vote, remember not voting have consequences. The results can produce long-lasting consequences that cannot be reversed for a generation or longer. So you cannot leave things to chance, or stay home believing that your candidates or issues already have enough support. It is important that you are informed and prepared to cast your ballot. Learn as much as you can about the candidates and the issues that affect you and your country.
Learn about candidates’ views on issues that are important to you, and vote in support of your beliefs. Your vote is a way to express your convictions. Be a citizen that you can be proud of. Stay informed, hold your elected officials accountable, and vote in as many future elections as you are physically and mentally able to. Your vote matters. Your future depends on it! Taking the initiative to vote can help prevent elections from being left to chance.
Demonstrate concern for the next generation. By voting you are not only doing your part to influence the present – you are also affecting the future. Voting is a way to honour those who have helped to secure our rights. We owe them our respect and appreciation. There is No Value in Selling Your Vote. Never allow anyone to bribe you by giving you money in exchange for your vote. It is wrong. Selling your vote is like selling yourself. Instead of taking money or other goods ask for commitments — specific promises of action for your community or country for which you can hold them accountable.
Remember: Actions have consequences. Not voting means voting for the Status Quo. The future of our country is in the hands of every voter. Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
