Voting: Privilege or Right

Voting is one of the most important “Right” provided by our constitution to our citizens, the opportunity to have a choice in choosing who leads us.  But some of us do not value that option when we fail to exercise our right to vote.  It is very easy to take the ‘whatever attitude or who cares’ about this great responsibility.  Now we live in a democracy and that means that we get a say in who is elected and the decision affecting us and our children.  But how many know that this is a privilege for us to have a say how we want the government to operate?

The youth vote is sadly underestimated by party analysts, and the trend analysts who are entrusted with targeting the party’s advertising dollars and public relations efforts traditionally over look the youth market. Why?  The reality is that year after year the percentage of eligible young voters who actually vote is small.

 The biggest election issues often directly effect the youth of the nation.  Think about the future and the world you will one day inherit from the next generation and you can add environmental concerns, technology, cyberspace, or add any issues near and dear to your heart and the list becomes overwhelming.

 Some good reasons to vote are:

• Voting provides a medium for citizens to participate in the democratic process. The only way democracy works is if citizens are active participants.  If individuals do not chose to vote, democracy might become a thing of the past, replaced by another form of government.

• Our vote is our voice. When combined with the votes of others who share our views it becomes a powerful voice and the more like voters there are the louder that voice becomes..

• Showing that we care with our vote tells candidates that they must be accountable to us. It also mandates that those who introduce issues for a vote must provide adequate information to answer citizens’ questions and address their concerns rather than attempt to pull the wool over the general public eyes.

• Voting sets a good example to others especially our children. Youths observe all that we do and will learn from our example.

• Taking time to vote reflects pride in your citizenship and value in your freedom. The country becomes a beacon of liberty for the rest of the world who will be watching. It lets everyone know that you care about your country, your state and your city, the decisions and policies its leaders make.

Voting is a tremendous privilege, it represents our God-given right to freedom and our wisdom to have a say in the decisions that affect us.  It also reflects our appreciation for the sacrifices our ancestors have made and the hardships they have endured.  If you are not registered to vote, call or stop in Voters Registration Office to get signed up.  It only takes a few minutes, and even that step is likely to go noticed to those who are watching.  In my opinion a few minutes out of your day is a small price to pay for the right to vote.