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.
