I wasn’t going to vote today. I had a few reasons.
- I wonder how much my vote really matters. After all, it pretty much just gets lost in a sea of individual votes that get lumped together for a few Electoral votes later.
- I’m not sold on a specific candidate. I so often feel I’m choosing who not to vote for instead of choosing the best candidate. My vote seems to be more about avoidance than approval.
I heard other reasons for not voting. Some people are too busy or don’t like inconvenient polling place times and locations. Some people have transportation issues. Some haven’t switched their voter registrations. Some have never voted and have no motivation to start. Some don’t want to stand in line. Some don’t want to be blamed for the outcome. Some don’t agree with our voting process.
I don’t disagree with some of the reasons people give for not voting. I have my fair share of reasons. But as I was walking through town today, I realized my reasons – in reality, excuses – came down to one thing: apathy. The conviction of apathy slapped me in the face, and I made a turn toward my polling place.
I voted because I can. I can walk through my town and into a polling place by myself without fear of intimidation or retaliation. The fact that I as a woman can walk without escort and vote without someone telling me how to vote is a right many women – and men – don’t have around the world. Our system has issues, but I don’t worry about the safety of my vote. While it might seem to get lost in the sea of results, I still believe it’s a part of the results as opposed to the votes that get thrown aside in countries where the most powerful party manipulates the results. I’m not thrilled with the options of candidates I have, but I have options. I voted because people have lost their lives to protect my right to vote. I appreciate and want to honor the sacrifice. I voted because I’m a role model. Someone will ask me if I voted. I don’t want to encourage voter apathy.
I didn’t have to travel for days to vote. I didn’t have to risk my life. All I had to do was walk a few blocks, take a few minutes, and cast my vote. I could have rationalized not voting, but I took the energy and time I would have spent rationalizing and simply voted instead.
I wasn’t going to vote today, but I’m glad I did.
We should all exercise our right to vote every chance we get. There are countries around this globe that don’t have that opportunity. And sometimes our voices aren’t heard, but at least we exercised them.
I undestand what you are saying and I agree with some of your reasons. I also have a problem with the fact that we have to declare a party for the election yesterday. I am not a stout Republican or Democrat. I agree with both parties on some issues. One year I refused to declare a party and I was not allowed to vote. I did my civic duty and signed the slip and left the polling place.
This year I did declare a party but I did not vote for certain offices because I did not agree with the candidate that was running. So I left several ovals blank or only votes for one instead of four or five. Does that mean that my ballot is invalid? I don’t believe so, but I voted my heart and conscience.
Thank you for helping us all to exercise our voices and consciences today.
I agree. We might not like all the choices we have, but we DO have choices, which is a blessing!