Why you should Vote!

Walter Judd said “People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions (in a democracy) are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote – a very different thing.”  When you choose not to vote you are choice to give up your right to have a say in the way the country is run and the decisions that are made.

As representatives of an apolitical organisation, while not supporting any particular party, as Scouts and Scouters, we have  a responsibility to train our members in citizenship, of which voting is a critical exercise.   So while I do not advocate for any particular party I will encourage each and every one of our members to exercise their constitution right because we are fortunate enough to live in a democracy which means that we get a say in who runs our country and how our country is run.

The only way democracy works is if citizens, young and old, are active participants.  If we like what we see we should vote to show our support for the incumbents, and if we don’t, we should vote to express our dissatisfaction and if enough of us agree we can change things.

South Africa, spots and all is seen internationally as an example of an emerging democracy, if we wish to realize all that this means for the betterment of the lives of all South Africans, we need to stand up and make sure our vote counted!

Here are some reasons you should be voting tomorrow:

1.       If you don’t vote you really have no right to complain about government decisions you don’t like.  It’s a bit like not ever giving feedback to a person, how will they ever change to reflect what you want/need?  Your vote is your voice. When we vote, we are actually telling elected officials and lawmakers how we feel about education, public safety, social security, health care, and other important issues

2.       It sets a positive example to your children, your neighbors and your friends.   As a leader in your community you have a responsibility to demonstrate what it means to be a citizen.

3.       Voting means you believe in the democratic process.  It represents your right to freedom of speech and like any muscle if you don’t exercise it you will lose it in time.

4.       If you do not exercise your right to vote, you are missing out on a great national privilege and a significant personal freedom! Less than 20 years ago a large number of our country’s citizens went to great lengths and personal costs to secure the right to vote, would you give that up so easily?

5.       The reality is, your vote does count!  Remember: there is power in numbers, and when we vote and get our family members to vote, we can truly make a difference. If you don’t vote for what you believe in, others will – and you may not like the outcome.

6.       Our Youth are depending on us to represent their voices.  Because our children can’t vote, we have to do it for them. That’s how we make our concerns about schools, safety, housing, and other issues heard. When we vote, we are looking out for our kids, and their futures.

7.       Voting changes communities.  Do you ever wonder why one neighbourhood gets passed over for things it needs, while another seems to get it all? One big reason is voting. When we vote, we can get results that we can actually see and if you don’t then you should be voting for someone who will provide the changes.

8.       If you are old enough to drive, you are old enough to decide who makes the decisions that materially will affect your life! 

And remember the words of Franklin D Roosevelt when he said, “Nobody will ever deprive the people of the right to vote except the people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”

Do your bit and come 7 May join me in casting your vote, and if you didn’t register this time perhaps this might make you think about your reasons for doing so.