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Your Opinion Matters:
The Duties of a Responsible Voter
Politics-and-government
As Americans, we know we are lucky. Our society provides us with incredible freedoms. Whether we are here by birth or by choice, we know how fortunate we are for our living conditions.
The most fundamental right given to Americans is a voice for our opinions. This is not something that can be silenced. Without this basic freedom we would be lost. However, some people choose to do nothing with it.
On Election Day, polling places sit empty. For some reason people simply don’t vote. Those who do vote don’t always do so responsibly. Surprisingly, many people are comfortable voting for candidates they know nothing about.
Vote!
Vote. Vote often. Vote in every election you city holds. Voting is easy to do and takes very little time.
Registering to vote is as simple as writing your name and address. If you don’t know how to read or write there are people that can assist you. In order to vote in most elections you have to register early. Usually a month is enough time to register and receive you voter’s registration card.
Voter registration forms can be obtained by contacting your state’s Election Board. Many public facilities also have voter registration forms, such as public libraries and tag agencies.
Don’t let anyone come between you and your ballot. Employers are legally required to let their employees leave work to vote. Military personnel on assignment can use absentee ballots to vote in their home district.
Your voting location will always at a polling place close to your home address. The polling place is usually within walking distance from your home. You can usually find the address for your polling place on your voter’s registration card.
Know What You Are Voting For!
It is important to know about the candidates in any election. Political campaigns often become heated and candidates can have their images distorted by their opponents and the media. With a little bit of research, it is easy to find out what your candidates truly value.
If any of the candidates in your election have prior political experience, then their voting record would be a matter of public record. There are many ways to find this information, from government websites to non-profit organizations.
Another way to obtain information on candidates is to contact their campaign headquarters. In national elections, individual candidates usually share office space with their national political party. These offices are usually happy to answer any questions voters might have.
Many local elections include reelection options for judges. Since judges generally don’t campaign, it can be difficult to learn information about them. Usually judges don’t enter the news, unless they are involved in a high profile case or a scandal. Fortunately, court rulings, like voting records for political figures, are a matter of public record. These records can help you decide if you believe they are doing a good job and should continue to hold office.
Legislative questions are often placed on ballots. Many of these questions are written in legal jargon and can be hard to understand. Without a clear understanding of what the question means, one can easily vote in a way they don’t intend.
Many resources are available for understanding these questions. Election boards usually provide detailed explanations of the questions on a ballot. You can find these explanations in the same locations you would find voter registration forms.
In order to understand the significance of what your vote means, it is important to understand how our government works. Many community colleges offer affordable classes on the inter-workings of the American government. These classes provide plenty information for first-time students, as well as those who need to refresh their knowledge.
Speak Up!
In addition to simply voting there are many ways to make your opinion heard. A lawmaker’s primary concern is doing what his constituents want. Even if the candidate you voted for didn’t win the election, your desires still matter. Make sure your newly elected official knows what your desires are.
There are many large organizations dedicated solely to furthering political ideas. By supporting, or becoming involved in one of these organizations, one can influence the way things are done.
For those who aren’t comfortable joining larger organization, there are much simpler opportunities to let your voice be heard. Letter writing or sending e-mails are effective ways to make your opinion known. You can even try to make an appointment to speak with your representative, if you are willing to travel to their office.
It is typically easier to meet with a local official. They have a smaller voter base to support and are more likely to be available to meet with you. With enough of a planning and a little patience, one can usually arrange to meet with national representatives.
Having lawmakers know what their constituents want is instrumental in securing what is best for our society. Americans are fortunate to have such a remarkable government. Everyone’s opinion is counted and matters.
Voting is such an important task that it is surprising more people don’t do it. It is just as shocking that there are people who vote for people of whom they know little. With minimal effort, every November it is possible to change the way you see your country.
Local elections occur most frequently. These elections effect one’s immediate environment much more than national elections, but they have the lowest voter turnout. In order to participate in all of the decisions facing your community, contact your local election board and make sure you stay informed!
Politics-and-government
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