Why Should I Vote? The Pros and Cons of Voting

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» left by Terry Mitchell ^(5,270)
Terry Mitchell (1 year 300 days ago.)

Very few candidates I really like ever win. I'm a maverick and therefore tend to vote for maverick candidates. Those candidates tend to lose to the more mainstream, centrist candidates. But that has never discouraged me from voting. I registered promptly when I turned 18 and have rarely missed an election since. Contrary to the conventional foolishness, I believe registration and voting should be less (not more) convenient. Getting a driver's license is inconvenient, yet people still do what they have to do to get them. If someone thinks more of their driving privilege than they do of their right to vote, do they really deserve that right?
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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 299 days ago.)

Terry, I agree with you and it is sad state of affairs that we take it lightly. People don't think of voting as something that contributes to their day to day living, so they put that responsibility aside. How wrong they are. I am thankful that I have the rights of being an American citizen including voting.

Thanks for reading and commenting.

» left by Anonymous (1 year 53 days ago.)

"How wrong they are."

 

It's all opinion.  They are no more wrong than you are and they are just as wrong as you are.

 

Choose happiness.  Stop searching for it.

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 53 days ago.)

Hey Anon-Thanks for reading and commenting.  Isn't it great that in this country you are entitled to your opinion? 

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» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr. ^(5,237)
Robert Melaccio, Sr. (1 year 294 days ago.)

Actually, let's consider if any of these candidates is the great leader they profess to be. Like all the rest in office, or involved with government already, or in the past who are running and who are all suddenly professing we need a change in Washington one needs to ask just when did this bright light come on and Ok, did they forget they are the ones we want to change? Go down the list item for item, check their record of what they voted for and what they never showed up for and you will find by fact of deed they are in my opinion BOOKENDS and all the same in thought, word and deed by nature of their own actions. So believe what you want the proof is there for the taking. So the fact is we wilol have a new president but will we have the change we all supposedly and I do mean supposedly desire? The answer to that is a resounding and factual NO UNLESS we change them all. i support your article and think you did an excellent job as usual. I second your comments. Howevr, as you know by my writing I am for change via the ballot and via the boot, boot them all OUT! Best wishes RTM

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 294 days ago.)
Thank you, Mr. Melaccio, for reading and responding. Your comment is true. Change is a great buzzword, but it still seems to be the same old thing. I don't think I am alone when I say this Presidential election scares me, but, I am glad I have the right to vote. I have a friend who is currently in the hospital with a painful staph infection. She went to the doc on Monday to be told her wound from a previous surgery didn't look good and the next day she was to see another doc and probably be admitted to the hospital. The probem was, on Tuesday morning she had a previous engagement; she was to be sworn in as an American citizen. Not willing to miss that meeting, Tuesday morning she packed her bag for the hospital stay, took her oath with about 3,000 others and headed to the doctor. Needless to say, her story made me take a fresh look at voting. Even if I don't like the results, I do have a say.

» left by Sarah Baker from Barryton MI, U.S (1 year 247 days ago.)

What if voiting was mandatory and everyone had to vote then everyones vote would count right? which I think that mandatory voting would be great because everyone would get the chance to voice their opionon but then the people who didn't vote would be fined. I'm a sophomore at a school in michigan and I take a civics class where were doing a debate project about the pros and cons of mandatory voting I haven't fully decided about my decision. What do you think about mandatory voting?
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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 247 days ago.)
Hi Sarah. Thank you for reading and commenting. Nah, I don't think mandatory voting would be a good thing for a couple of reasons. One, while it would guarantee a great quantity of votes, those who are doing it just because it is law wouldn't research what they were voting for or against and the results wouldn't be what anyone wanted or expected. Another reason, I believe less government intervention is a good thing. Those are two reasons and I could probably come up with more. I hope your debate goes well!

» left by Kylie Schutt from Lake Isabella (1 year 247 days ago.)

I am a student at Chippewa Hills High School and in civics we have to research the Pros and Cons of Mandatory voting. Personally i am against it because people would not really vote bacause they want but because they have to. i was just wondering what you felt about the comment and what other people who have asked questions like mine felt. oh yeah if you are a convicted felon but are not in jail can you vote?
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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 247 days ago.)
Kylie, I agree with you on mandatory voting. I think people would just vote for whosever ad they heard the most. That would mean whoever had the most money to pay for the most ads would win, not necessarily the most qualified candidate. I think it is great that your class is studying our nations government procedures. I'm sorry, I don't know about a convicted felon voting. I know that right is lost while in prison, but you may want to do some research to see if there is an amount of time that needs to pass before a convicted felon gets the right to vote again, if ever.
Thanks for reading and commenting! Have a great weekend.

» left by Hannah Quinn from Australia (1 year 179 days ago.)

L.M. I come from a country where voting is mandatory and I can tell you, that for the vast majority of the people, they take their voting very seriously. Knowing they have to vote makes people take notice and think about the issues and the candidates. People don't actually want to waste their vote; they have to do it anyway, so might as well make it count. If someone truly doesn't want to vote, the fine isn't that big ($20-70) yet very few chose that option. (There are allowances for the elderly, infirm, etc.) Also, they can go along and avoid the fine but do what they like to the ballot paper once they enter the booth, but that's also very rare. I strongly believe in mandatory voting. Democracy and the right to vote must have the balance of responsibility and as much input from the people as possible to make it truly a democracy. I also think that not having mandatory voting just lets people off the hook of taking matters seriously and giving any real thought to how a nation is led. It opens itself up to interest groups, minorities and block voting having the power to decide how the bulk of the people are governed - hardly democratic where 'majority rules'.
As far as I know about felons, once they have served their time, their citizenship rights are returned to them and they can vote. It is that way here, and I'm fairly certain it is that way in your country, although some States might have different laws about that.
The answer is no doubt available through a search engine - or better yet, a library, especially for those studying civics. I hope I've given you some things to think about and I'm interested in learning your responses.
Cheers, Hannah
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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 179 days ago.)
Hannah, thanks so much for reading and responding. It depends on each state's laws whether or not a ex-felon can vote. I can see your point, it does seem like a good thing to require all to vote at first. Upon further reflection, I don't like the idea. I would like to see fewer government mandates in our lives. What we need are honest politicians that won't make promises to lobbyists and special interest groups and truly represent the people. In a perfect world, maybe it would really be that way. For now, voting is a privilege and a right. If people don't want to vote, it is a sad thing, but their choice. The current system (outside of the Australian ballot...thank you) has its flaws, (especially the outdated Electoral College) I don't think mandatory vote is the answer. Thanks for sharing your views; I respect and appreciate them.

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» left by Hannah Quinn ^(18,429)
Hannah Quinn (1 year 178 days ago.)
LM, I admit I don't fully understand the Electoral College. We have nothing like that here. We have preference voting which not all agree with. It means that if the candidate you vote for doesn't get in, your vote goes to your second preference. You can choose your preference or accept your candidate's choice. It means your vote is always counted. I like preferences because I can choose, for example, a green vote to back up my main choice. Can you give me a rundown or perhaps give me a link with a good explanation of just how the Electoral College works. It seems, from what I do know, that it is at least outmoded in modern America and, on the face of it, not all that democratic. But, I might have it wrong. We'll have to agree to disagree about mandatory voting. :) Cheers, Hannah
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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 176 days ago.)
Good morning, Hannah! Yeah, we disagree on some things, but that isn't bad. The Electoral College has no use anymore, I don't believe. It was created in a time we didn't have mass media and did serve a purpose then of letting the people's voices be heard. Wikipedia has a decent overview of Electoral College and when I Googled those words other sites also gave good explanations. I don't understand your preference voting, either. Funny how people are so alike and cultures and customs so different. I will have to do a search on Australia's voting system. The candidate I wanted to vote for has dropped out of the race and if nothing changes, I will be voting for the one I believe will do the least damage! There is so much "election-speak" going on and many are confused because the candidates' actions often don't match what they say. This will be an interesting election. Thanks, again, Hannah, for your comments. I welcome the dialog and questions. Have a great day.

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» left by Brittany D. from USA (1 year 169 days ago.)
I'm Currently doing a project on whether the United States should change to mandatory voting or not. I also have to see if making voting day a national holiday (or moving it to a weekend) would make any difference in voter turnout at the polls. Could you please tell your opinion on these matters and why or why not you are against them plus reasons why? Thank you very much. Brittany
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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 107 days ago.)

Hi Brittany,

 

Sorry to take so long to respond to your question.  I don't think mandatory voting is a good idea.  I think those who didn't take the time to learn about issues and candidates' stances would just go in and vote for the first thing they saw, just to get it over with.  I also don't think we need a national holiday because we have early voting and employers give those who need it a chance to go to the polls.  If people want to vote they will, if they don't I don't believe it is good to make them.

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» left by John from US (1 year 109 days ago.)
L.M,

Personally, I dont feel the need to vote unless its something that affects me personally. Take for instance, the Bush election. Bush is anti-abortion and anti-gay marraige. Had i been old enough to vote back then, i probably would have voted that way because that is what my religious beliefs include. Abortion and Gay Marraige is still happening. Why should I vote? I don't plan on living in America forever.... I'd rather put my loyalty to country into a loyalty in heaven. Am i wrong for having this opinion?

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 107 days ago.)

Thank you, John, for reading and commenting.   In the old testament of the Bible people complained because they wanted a king so God gave them a king.  Our government cannot function outside of what God allows, he is still in charge.  Also, God put us here for now.  Just sitting back and waiting for heaven could be a gross misuse of time on earth in my opinion.  God gave us minds and bodies to use in a way that will glorify him and I believe we are responsible for how we have used them. 

 

Things would seem to offend God and those bearing his name will always be around as long as we are on this earth.  Hopefully, there will also be those who stand up for what is right and good.  Who knows, maybe things will change.

 

Your opinion is just that, your opinion and I can't tell you if you are wrong, but I disagree with you.  That's what is so great about this country, its laws and our government.  For now, you can have pretty much any opinion you want.  It is all between you and your God or you and your conscience.

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» left by Anonymous (1 year 53 days ago.)

God is absolutely perfect.  Think about that for awhile.

 

(Then take a look around you and look in the mirror.)

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 53 days ago.)

I agree with you.  No one but God is perfect.  I see all the imperfections and am thankful for God's grace towards me, and our world daily. 

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» left by Anonymous (1 year 67 days ago.)

I don't want people voting who are not informed and do not know or want to really know anything about the key issues. Hear me out. If they're voting simply because they're told it's their civic duty and they have the right to vote, but DON'T know anything about what they're voting for, than why should they be encouraged to vote? In that case the vote casted is a waisted vote done by a person who has no grasp of the issues. Uninformed people voting is like an unlicensed driver driving. Do you want a bunch of unlicensed drivers muddling up our streets and highways? I will grant you that uniformed voters do not potentially physically harm others, but their vote(s) could potentially alter the course of the nation.

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 67 days ago.)

Thanks, anon, for reading and commenting.  I agree with you.  Voting should be a responsible act and I will admit I don't know all about everything on every ballot I've seen.  When I am not familiar with a particular issue, I don't vote for or against that issue.  One of my fears about this presidential election since I wrote this article is that so many are getting caught up in the fluff rather than the issues each candidate represents. 

 

Basically, each voter has the responsibility to research and know why he/she is voting for a candidate.  If not, the voter is not being responsible.

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» left by t.A. (1 year 53 days ago.)

All opinions assist in reaching the truth. Namaste.

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 53 days ago.)

Ah, maybe, but opinion isn't always truth.

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» left by Joel Hendon ^(14,943)
Joel Hendon (1 year 44 days ago.)

Lorrie, this is a good article and I also enjoy and agree with your comments. The first time I voted for president was for Dwight D. Eisenhower in his initial election and I have not missed voting in any presidential election since. I've been on the winning side some and on the losing side some. I suspect I take it a little too seriously but I feel that it is a Christian's duty to try and help steer the nation towards those values as much as I can, although it is very little. I am extremely concerned about this one. Our nation has already moved away from moral and ethical values about as far as it can stand I'm afraid. A nation cannot stand when it strays too far into immorality. History proves that.

 

Some famous person, whom I cannot remember their name, said essentially that a democracy cannot long endure because as soon as people learn thy can vote them selves leaders who will give them more and more, they will do so until they all expect  to live from their handouts and to pay nothing back in. Which doesn't work

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» left by Lorrie Davids (1 year 44 days ago.)

Thanks, Joel, for reading and commenting.  I very much respect you and your writings.  I really am so tired of all the election "spam" being thrown around right now.  It's enough to make a voting person sit it out, though I would never really do that.  Have a good day!

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» left by unknown from Jersey (1 year 21 days ago.)

Voting is a choice. I don't agree that people should waste their right to vote if they can, but those who do decide to decline that right have all the rights to. One reason can be, for example, that they don't feel as though any of the candidates are worthy enough to take on the responsibility of leading a country. I personally believe that if I don't see or feel as if those candidates can fulfill not what he wants to do for his people but to do what his people want changes to happen, I won't hesitate to skip that election. now, it doesn't mean that I will never vote again. I do my research, watch the debates, and listen to their opinions on what they can do for us. But i have to be more convinced in order to strongly feel like, "I'm Know He/She will be the next Best President".

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 19 days ago.)

Hi Unknown from Jersey.  Since you have the right to vote, I hope you will exercise it and vote for the candidates, nationally and in your region whose beliefs and goals most resemble your own.  And, if you can't find anyone, vote the current elected official out!  Thanks for reading and commenting.  I appreciate your time.
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» left by Jasmine from Tuscaloosa (1 year 19 days ago.)

This article was very helpful to me. I had to do a report on the significance of voting. The report included questions about the pros and cons of voting. This is the most reliable source i could find.

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 19 days ago.)

Thanks, Jasmine for reading and commenting.  I'm glad I could be of help to you. Hope your report is a success.
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» left by Mommyof2 from Denver (1 year 12 days ago.)

I really like what you had to say. I agreed with most of it.

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (1 year 11 days ago.)

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Momof2.  
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» left by Anonymous (358 days 19 hours ago.)

love this article! helped me alot with my pursuasive essy on why you should vote. thanks

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» left by Anonymous (358 days 19 hours ago.)

BTW i am a 6th grader named daniela

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» left by Lorrie Davids ^(7,565)
Lorrie Davids (358 days 4 hours ago.)

Thanks, Daniela.  I'm glad this article was useful to you.  
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» left by Daniela (264 days 22 hours ago.)
you always write really cool articles that are helpful

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» left by ANON from PHI (343 days 2 hours ago.)

i don't think necessarily that it's the candidates that are not worthy of running a country persay but i chose not to vote because i personally don't think that you can narrow down MY perspective on every possible issue to 2 candidates. it seems unrealistic

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» left by Lorrie Davids from not logged in (332 days 23 hours ago.)

You are right, Anon, it is unrealistic, but it is the system and the best way we have at this time to do things.  Thanks for reading and commenting.  I hope you find someone you can vote for in the future.  
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