It’s that time of year again. We are beginning to see campaign signs around town and running into people on the streets attempting to convince us to vote for their party’s candidate. But has our generation become increasingly apathetic towards voting and making our voices heard?
We live in a land of freedom. We have been allowed the right to vote. We have fought wars and lost loved ones in order to come to this place in our history. I will go as far as to say that every man and woman that utilizes this right is grateful for the sacrifices so many have made throughtout the years.
When we separated from Britain, we were given the freedom to form our own country. When the North and South fought for civil liberties, slavery in our country was deemed no longer tolerable. When two world wars were fought, hitting close to home, we as a nation pulled together and fought for the freedom and the rights of others and not just ourselves.
As a nation, nothing we have accomplished has ever fallen into our laps. So why do we think a productive government will too?
Many feel the need to complain when the president or local government makes decisions with which we do not agree. We gripe and groan at the thought of fighting another war, or even something as simple as tearing down an old historic building.
Is it not our government’s responsibility to reflect the desires of the public? How are officials to know where our opinions lie in the spectrum of possibilities if we neglect to voice them?
There are many who stand up for what they believe in. It is documented throughout our history of times when actions such as these were successful. But one of the simplest ways we can influence our nation is simply by voting.
It might shock many to know that out of the entire population, Caucasian women hold the highest percentage of those registered to vote, with Caucasian men and African American women following closely behind. This says something very important; women are utilizing what outlets they have to make sure their ideas and viewpoints are recognized. Unfortunately, in a largely patriarchal society, the U.S. does not always encourage women to hold certain positions in government. That, however, is not stopping those registered to vote from influencing their society.
The U.S. observes no penalty for failing to vote in local or national elections. Countries such as Australia do.
The Australian Electoral Commission’s official website gives some insight into how they conduct things. When you do not participate in an election in Australia, the government requires you to provide a reason or pay a fine of $20. If, after 21 days, neither of these things has taken place, the person could be charged even further, possibly receiving a fine of $50 as well as court costs.
How would you feel if our “freedom” to vote became mandatory? I would think many would protest, object and fight the government for forcing them to participate in an election. Well, why isn’t the same exuberance demonstrated when fighting for a candidate or party’s standpoints?
It is not my agenda to make anyone feel guilty for not voting. I do, however, encourage you to understand what is being said when you do not participate in an election. When you do not vote, you are relinquishing rights to nag, bash or even slander those who are running and who may later become elected.
When we do not take a stand from the beginning for what we want, how can we expect to be taken seriously when we speak up in the aftermath of an issue?
So, as the elections of this year and the years to come take place, remember how simple a way this is for your opinions to be counted and your voice to be heard.
Sarah Ulmer is a sophomore majoring in communication. She can be contacted at [email protected].