Do you think it is important to vote??
By Wordjunkie
@Wordjunkie (435)
Canada
October 4, 2010 2:32pm CST
We have just finished an election here in my area and it has gotten me thinking about the reasons that we vote or don't vote. Seems today that there are many people who would rather not vote and these same people are later complaining about whatever party happens to be in at the time.
I think its very important to vote, I think it is everyones responsibility to go to the polls and cast their vote. I have asked some friends I know, why they don't vote, many respond by saying "whats the use, they are all the same, doesn't matter who's voted in"! Or just simply, " I don't have time for that"! 
I don't understand why anyone would not practice their right to vote, it is like throwing it away.
What do you think about voting? Is it important to you? Seems to me if those who don't vote, lost their right to vote, they would be complaining about that too. Perhaps the government should start a new rule that if you do not vote for three consecutive years you lose the right to vote. Do you think that would get more people to the polls?
I don't understand why anyone would not practice their right to vote, it is like throwing it away.
What do you think about voting? Is it important to you? Seems to me if those who don't vote, lost their right to vote, they would be complaining about that too. Perhaps the government should start a new rule that if you do not vote for three consecutive years you lose the right to vote. Do you think that would get more people to the polls?1 person likes this
8 responses
@gloryacam (5540)
• Philippines
5 Oct 10
It is important to vote. It is a way of letting your self have a say in the affairs of your country. Your vote might seem insignificant, but it is yours. It is a right that has been fought for by the great men of old, and to just be indifferent towards it is to render their heroism useless. And you are right, those who are apathetic are usually those who complain when they are happy about the persons voted. Serves them right. They could have had a hand in changing it, but they did not even care to vote.
@Wordjunkie (435)
• Canada
5 Oct 10
Yes, we all need to rake responsibility to change what we want changed and correct what we think can be corrected and to do so we must exercise our right to vote. Thank you for sharing yor thoughts. 
1 person likes this
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
4 Oct 10
I vote during each and every election as I feel it is the right thing to. Although I do not feel that our political officials do anything for the people anyways. They campaign all these promises and once they are in office they forget about us.
One thing I wanted to share is that I know many people who do not vote but have all these outlandish opinions when they aren't even registered to vote. Ugh those people I am referring to spend loads of time arguing and fighting about politics, it drives me crazy because they do not even take the time to vote. Maybe if they did vote the elections would go in a different direction and just maybe things would be much better.
@Wordjunkie (435)
• Canada
4 Oct 10
Yes, my thoughts too. Most forget their promises the minute they are sworn in but I drag myself to the polls anyway every election time in hopes that this one will be different but more times than not I am disappointed. I know some people like that too, they really annoy me as they have a lot to say except the most important, their vote.
1 person likes this
@anurag3786 (6267)
• India
5 Oct 10
Of course it is very important to give your valuable vote. And I think every person should give their valuable vote. Because government is depend on our vote. So if you really want to bring good government in the country and state then you must give your vote to your candidates. Because our vote write the future of country. So always give vote. I am always giving my vote.
1 person likes this
@Wordjunkie (435)
• Canada
5 Oct 10
Yes, I agree. I think it is very important to exercise your vote and I do so every time an election is called. I just wish all people in my country thought so too. Some don't bother to vote at all and just throw away their vote!
@internikk (59)
• Philippines
5 Oct 10
It is your right to vote, so why don't you exercise your rights. Every single voice must be heard. But I'm not positive about the penalty issue because voting is our own free will and that's the essence of being in a democratic country.
1 person likes this
@Wordjunkie (435)
• Canada
5 Oct 10
I do exercise my right to vote, I was just saying that I know that do not. Yes, I guess that true, enforcing a penalty would impinge on the freedoms of others. Thanks for yor response.
@MJNMendezabalC (63)
• Philippines
5 Oct 10
......As a person we must have to vote in order to have a good leader for us to follow and should led us into a good way ...And it is a way for us to choose the right leader and is responsible one not to corrupt in our country...well that's my opinion that we should vote for the right person that is capable with that position..
1 person likes this
@Wordjunkie (435)
• Canada
5 Oct 10
Yes, my thoughts too. It is our responsibility. Thank yo for sharing.
@thommas (143)
• Latvia
4 Oct 10
Here in Europe already are a few countries where voting is a statutory duty. It means that if you didn't go to an election you should pay a penalty.
However, I don't think it's a good idea because my opinion is that voting has to be a free will. And it's no so much about human rights, "democratic society" or something like this. No, it's a very pragmatic reason from my side: if everyone, even people who are very far interested in politics and all the crowds of uneducated citizens would be forced to go vote then it is unavoidable that the result won't be pleasant. They will put their voice for the most populistic parties which promise them to bring stars from the heaven, full pockets with money and employment for everyone without any realistic covering for their words.
Of course, that's only one aspect of these things which are called "democratic processes" but that's how I see it.
2 people like this
@Wordjunkie (435)
• Canada
4 Oct 10
Very good point. I live in Canada and it is a priledge to vote it is not required. I guess some here would vote foolishly too, in hopes of getting promises that the parties couldn't possibly produce. Our government has never charged a penallty for not voting and many would be outraged if they did. Those that do not vote would have a whole lot to say then.
1 person likes this
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
5 Oct 10
I firmly believe that it is important for us to vote. This is a right we need to exercise. Without a vote,our opinions could not be expressed. A vote is our way of contributing to the world around us.@Wordjunkie (435)
• Canada
5 Oct 10
Thank you for sharing. Yes, I agree it is very important to vote , yet many don't.
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
15 Apr 13
for me its partly yes and partly no,yes because every vote of many people is important as their voice,but because of some people who put some dirty in the election and will become fraud and full cheaters,i think its not good to vote because it will be only waste your vote.
