My fellow members of the electorate, do you know or even realize that your Vote has power? Well, if you were not aware before, your Vote has the potential to be the deciding factor as to the outcome of the next General Elections on Polling Day. Therefore, armed with such knowledge and realization, it will be irresponsible of you, as a registered voter, to abstain from voting on Election Day.
It is time for us, the electorate, to take polling day seriously. It is full time for every registered voter to be responsible and do the honourable thing by going out to cast his or her ballot. Now is time to take a stand. Now is time for all of us to get involved in the process of selecting the next Chief Minister and other officials to govern the affairs of this land. Sitting on the sidelines doing nothing, finding fault or complaining about the many ills in the society is certainly not the way to fix our problems. What we need is strong, effective leadership to champion the cause of bringing about the change the island is in need of. Deuteronomy 1:13 admonishes us to: “Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.”
As the electorate, we need to use the ballot box to send a strong, concerted message to every political entity, that we as a people will no longer sit idly by and watch the destruction, stagnation or regression of our island. We will no longer allow any political entity to discount us or take us for granted. We are determined now more than ever to get involved in the affairs of our island. We, the electorate, will prove that the success of our democracy rests on the unequivocal commitment and unwavering faith in the power of the vote.
We, the electorate, are now more knowledgeable and aware that elections are not merely about voting but about a fundamental social transformation in society. It is therefore incumbent upon us, as the electorate, to go out in large numbers to exercise our franchise on Election Day. Anguilla demands the attention of every eligible voter in this regard now more than ever before. The power lies in the hands of us, the voters. The power lies in the ballots. Every eligible voter must play a part in this decision-making process of the country. The time to do that is NOW.
We cannot afford to miss this golden opportunity. We must be the change-makers my friends. The outcome of an election should never be left to chance. We should always use that opportunity wisely, as it is the only practical means whereby the electorate/voters can participate and hold the political parties, candidates and the incumbent governments accountable for their promises and performance. At this juncture in our nation’s history, there is an urgent need for dedicated, strong, aggressive and courageous leaders, who will work passionately and unrelentingly to move this country forward.
Therefore, let this Election Day go down in history as one of the largest voter turnouts ever. Let this Election Day be seen as the beginning of a new era in Anguilla’s politics. This will show the world that we mean serious business in this country. We are involved in shaping the destiny of our country. The future of this country is at stake, my friends. Let us not even, for one minute, forget that. Let our overwhelming turnout be the sign that the future of the country is much more important to us, the electorate/voters, than party affiliation.
The times we live in demands it. If voters have to change affiliation to make themselves heard, so be it. My fellow members of the electorate, you are not powerless. Actions speak louder than words. You have the power of the ballot, so Go Out and Vote on Election Day.
Remember: There is Power in numbers. There is power in the Ballot: Vote to Make History!
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com.
