#VOTE
You hear it over and over. “My vote doesn’t matter,” students often say. Others complained that politicians were "all the same and everyone was corrupt." How can we overcome this tempting resignation and encourage students to register and vote despite their belief that the sport is initially unlucky?
Personally, I think everyone should vote, because everyone has an opinion. In Philippine democracy, we value our ability to decide who is in position, and enjoy the very fact that we have something to say about what is going on within the world of politics. However, when 75.90 percent vote regularly, we ask ourselves: is this really democracy?
Yes, many people will argue, in fact it is. We still have elections, and therefore the country will pass the President. But look at it this way; the whole purpose of democracy is for every person to have a say in what’s going on, and when more than the country votes, not everyone’s voice is heard. Most of the votes are bought by the politicians. And when not, most hear, that’s not a democracy.
What worries me is the unfathomable fact that the majority of non-voters are children, those in their 18 to 24 years only. while many people have opinions and have different beliefs and aspirations, most Millennials (individuals 18 to 29 years old) have removed themselves from the election process. Most Filipino are voting because of money given by the politicians.
When I first heard these statistics, I was shocked before. We always assume that everyone voted, but that’s not true. What I find hardest to believe is the very fact that only about more than a half of Millennials actively express their thoughts. I personally can’t wait until I’m old enough to have something to say within the functioning of government. And I don’t like the thought that people have a chance to abuse it.
Because of this, and also the undeniable fact that the voter literally has the longer term of the country on their hands, I urge anyone and everyone who reads this to appreciate how much democracy plays a part in voting, and use the opportunities given to them to make a difference in the Philippines.
Citizens of many countries have complained about the world around them, and many should not choose to change the world. However, you do. The Filipino child has the facility to make decisions that can affect the country. If you just don’t like the way the Philippines operates, but you don’t choose elections or make your opinions heard, you, not the government’s fault.
If you don’t vote, you are judging your right to vote, and your right to criticize our government. I also believe that young people need to come out and vote because otherwise our views will not be heard. We represent a successor generation and want to select officials who will consider our ideas once they vote on a problem. Voting sends your ideas across the country; it makes a difference. Vote wisely; don’t get blind by the money.