Saturday, October 1, 2016

LIFE & ELECTIONS

TO MY FRIENDS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The forthcoming national election in America on November 8 is going to be a crucial decision day for American voters.

The country appears to be polarized by two distinct choices between the candidates, and the outcome will have serious effects both inside and outside the USA. American voters should understand that their vote is very important, as it is in all democracies.

However, many people feel that their single vote is unimportant, and will not affect the outcome – and in that view they are wrong. Democracies are the refuge for fairness and provide the opportunity for everyone to have an opinion.

In countries where voting is not compulsory, like the USA, often people decline to go and vote for a number of considerations. Perhaps neither candidate or their platform appeals to their own view; perhaps they feel their vote is insignificant; perhaps it’s a blizzard outside; or perhaps they are just lazy and take no interest in the future of their country.

None of these explanations are a valid reason why a vote should not be cast. Regardless of which candidate a voter favors, every vote is important. It may appear that one candidate could win by a landslide and a single vote will not make a difference, however, it is every citizen’s duty to cast a vote – just to help keep democracy healthy.

Democracy thrives on the representation of everyone in the community. If voters feel that the politicians which have been elected are not suitable, they only have themselves to blame in most instances.

If politicians are elected by default, because there were not sufficient opposing votes, then the voters who failed to cast a ballot must be held responsible.

*EVEN IN A NON-COMPULSORY SYSTEM IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECORD THE FACT THAT YOU ATTENDED A POLLING BOOTH.

It is quite appropriate to abstain from voting for either candidate, however it’s important to attend a polling place and record an informal vote.

That way it is possible to calculate how many voters cast a vote. This delivers important information about the popularity or otherwise of candidates and their policies.

On November 8, make sure you go to a polling station and cast a ballot.



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