Elections are the process through which citizens can choose their representatives on a regular basis and replace them whenever they so want. Who will enact laws on their behalf is up to them. They have the power to decide who will lead the country and make important choices.
1. Voting protects democracy
Voting is really about democracy. Politicians’ ability to reflect the interests of voters becomes more crucial when more people cast ballots and exercise their right to vote. Politicians won’t be compelled to listen if people don’t participate since their positions aren’t in jeopardy. A voting-engaged populace defends democracy.
2. Voting is part of protecting human rights
It is a human right to be able to decide who leads your country. People are unable to engage in government in places without some type of voting system. If someone wants to alter anything, they cannot seek for office. Elections do not hold authorities responsible. Other human rights, such as the freedom of association and the freedom of expression, are upheld and safeguarded by the right to vote. Human rights matter, so voting matters.
3. Every vote matters
Many people choose not to vote because they think their one vote won’t make a difference. Election results are frequently decided by razor-thin margins, it is a fact. Particularly in the case of smaller, municipal elections. Each vote counts heavily in these smaller races because there are already fewer voters involved. Governments would be much more representative if everyone understood the importance of their vote.
4. Voting impacts the present and the future
Voting has an impact on the future in addition to the problems that are important to the voter today. The legal system is the most notable example. In nations like the United States, where Supreme Court justices are appointed for life and whose decisions have long-lasting effects, residents do not directly elect them. People do, however, cast ballots to choose the President and Congressmen. Judges are chosen by the President, and Congress then votes to confirm them. Many people think that’s the main reason why picking a president is so crucial. It’s more about who they might pick to a lifetime appointment on the nation’s top court rather than the president, who can only hold office for a maximum of eight years.
5. Voting shapes social agendas
Elections have an impact on a variety of social problems, including but not limited to marriage, reproductive rights, the death penalty, freedom of speech, and religion. Everyone is impacted by social concerns in one way or another. Voting is necessary to have a role in who gets to pass laws on social issues and what laws are implemented.
6. Voting holds leaders accountable
Votes have a lot of influence in places where voters make up the majority of the government. Voters can remove a politician from office if they were chosen based of their promises but later break them. Free and fair elections are essential because of this accountability. Threats to voting rights limit the public’s ability to hold elected authorities responsible. Even if the majority of their supporters want a politician gone, they can still hold onto power and breach their commitments.
7. Voting shapes the economy
The laws that govern a society have an impact on both social and economic issues. This includes regulations governing taxes, the price of higher education, the terms of student loans, social security benefits, and the cost of healthcare. Politicians who are elected to office also make budgetary decisions, such as how much money is allocated to the military versus social safety net programmes. Voting allows people to express their priorities in terms of money.
8. Voting impacts your wallet
Voting also has a direct impact on your money, speaking of costs. Numerous budgets are under the control of elected authorities on both the municipal and federal levels. These budgets are funded by taxes, which are deducted from your pay. You can influence where that money is spent and who is responsible for what by voting. An area of great interest in the United States, for instance, is the tax rate for the richest people. Politicians who support or oppose greater taxes are usually on the ballot, as are questions about how little taxation companies pay.
9. Voting affects environmental policies
Voting with the environment in mind is more crucial than ever as climate change continues to endanger the future. Environmental policy are urgent and divisive on a global scale. While some politicians recognise the catastrophic situation we’re in, others still maintain that there isn’t really an issue. The key decisions are decided by the voters.
10. Voting affects foreign policy
All nations must interact with other nations, whether it be for trade, common interests, or conflict resolution. Many voters might not give much thought to how their votes affect foreign policy, but these policies can influence aspects of daily life including the pricing of commodities, the cost of gas, and employment possibilities. Foreign policy is also very important for those who are in the military or who have international jobs.