Why Should I Vote?

One of two responsibilities of U.S. citizens is to vote in federal elections. Although the law does not require citizens to vote, it is obvious that voting is a very important part of any democracy. By voting citizens are participating in the democratic process.
Among other things, the democratic process requires citizens to elect eligible fellow citizens to represent their ideas – in essence, to form the government. This government is “for the people”, meaning that the sole purpose of government is to act in ways that benefit citizens.

In my last commentary, I contended that the words “we the people” in the opening sentence of the Constitution meant that people set up the government. Basic lessons in American Civics would confirm that the government works for the people and protects the rights of people.

The Founders of the United States decided that this country should be a representative democracy. They wanted a nation ruled by laws. In a representative democracy, the people choose officials to make laws and represent their views and concerns in government. Hence, elections is the mechanism provided by the Constitution to ensure that citizens can elect leaders of their choice to govern.

When eligible citizens fail to vote, they are abrogating a primary responsibility of citizenship. Whereas the government is responsible to ensure that every citizen can vote, it is the responsibility of every citizen to vote. Hence, to choose not to vote when one can vote is irresponsible. 

Because millions of Americans will be voting on Tuesday, it is easy for some to conclude that their single vote is not needed - that is illogical. The truth is, every vote counts. Ask the people of Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania, Africa). On January 18, 1961, the Afro-Shirazi Party won the general elections by a single vote/seat. The seat of Chake-Chake on Pemba Island had been gained by a single vote. According to the Guinness World Book of Records, that was the closest general elections ever recorded in the world.  

Some of us can remember the Presidential Elections of 2000. Then, President George W. Bush won the election by a margin of just half of a percentage point of the 110 million Americans who cast votes. The message is simple – every vote counts. 

I have met American citizens who decide against voting for some of the most trivial reasons. Some contend that if it is not a Presidential Election, then it is not important. That is not true. Electing persons to Congress is as critical as electing a President. As a matter of fact, congressional representatives are closer to my community than the President. 

The Framers of the Constitution believed that short two-year terms and frequent elections would keep representatives close to their constituents, public opinion, and more aware of local and community concerns. One can therefore understand why the population of a state determines the number of representatives in Congress. In this way, states with many people have a stronger voice in the House of Representatives. 

For a moment I must comment on persons who choose not to vote because candidates do not represent the preferences of the voter. In such cases, it is possible that the prospective voter did not influence the process of choosing the candidate. Furthermore, no candidate will ever represent all the preferences of voters. Most times one elects persons who best represent their preferences.

Far too often we choose candidates because of political party affiliation and not the personal suitability of the representatives. For me, parties do not vote on my preferences, representatives do. Agreed, political parties provide the platform for representatives. However, it is representatives who govern and are accountable to citizens.  

I now have my Voter Guide and will continue to study how candidates view my preferences. I will also be studying state constitutional amendments that are on the ballots. Studying the issues is critical for me, if I am going to register my preferences on Tuesday. 

As a Christian, I have too much at stake to take federal elections lightly. The New Testament encourages me to pray for political leaders. The purpose for prayer is to ensure “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives...” (1 Timothy 2:2). That objective requires more than closing my eyes in a prayer gathering.

Desiring leaders who can facilitate a peaceful and quiet lifestyle requires me to influence the choice of those leaders. In addition, that requires me to hold those leaders accountable for the lifestyles they promised. For me, the voting booth provides an excellent venue to accomplish my goals. In addition, because it is the responsible thing to do, I will be casting my first vote in America on Tuesday morning.