The little vote that could
The Staff Courier
Issue date: 9/23/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Growing up, we have all learned in our social studies and civics classes the importance of voting. We are reminded of the great sacrifices that have been made- sacrifices that are still being made around the world so that we have the privilege to vote. But is voting for a someone you may not support a better idea than not voting at all when you find you are not content with either candidate?
Some people feel that they should not vote at all because they do not like either candidate. It is possible to vote for a third party or write in a name, but some people just feel as though that it would not make a difference. The attitude becomes that their vote is worthless, whether they vote or not.
In the infamous 2000 election, George W. Bush beat out Al Gore by a mere 537 votes. Imagine how many people that decided not to vote that year for anyone because they felt their vote was not going to have an impact. The results may have been different had a few hundred registered voters decided to vote on anyone.
Even if a write-in candidate is voted on, it can make a difference. It is another candidate to absorb the votes that could go towards both major candidates, helping one or the other gain more of a lead. We have these other candidates to vote for because we have the right to voice our opinion, regardless if we disagree with who is running for the republican and democratic parties. All the votes may add up in the end- years ago, even Ross Perot was making a legit run in the race.
A cause of voter apathy can be that the voter is simply not well informed on either candidate. How many people (of legal age to vote) are readily aware of the issues at hand with the candidates? A lack of the knowledge necessary to make decisions can often be used as an excuse for carelessness, although new groups and organizations are developing to keep voters- specifically younger voters- informed and aware of what they could be voting for.
Do not let your right- your power to vote- go to waste and collect dust on a shelf. You have the ability to change an entire election just by pulling a lever or pushing a button, regardless of how worthless you deem your vote. The lone vote can still make the biggest dent in the outcome.
Some people feel that they should not vote at all because they do not like either candidate. It is possible to vote for a third party or write in a name, but some people just feel as though that it would not make a difference. The attitude becomes that their vote is worthless, whether they vote or not.
In the infamous 2000 election, George W. Bush beat out Al Gore by a mere 537 votes. Imagine how many people that decided not to vote that year for anyone because they felt their vote was not going to have an impact. The results may have been different had a few hundred registered voters decided to vote on anyone.
Even if a write-in candidate is voted on, it can make a difference. It is another candidate to absorb the votes that could go towards both major candidates, helping one or the other gain more of a lead. We have these other candidates to vote for because we have the right to voice our opinion, regardless if we disagree with who is running for the republican and democratic parties. All the votes may add up in the end- years ago, even Ross Perot was making a legit run in the race.
A cause of voter apathy can be that the voter is simply not well informed on either candidate. How many people (of legal age to vote) are readily aware of the issues at hand with the candidates? A lack of the knowledge necessary to make decisions can often be used as an excuse for carelessness, although new groups and organizations are developing to keep voters- specifically younger voters- informed and aware of what they could be voting for.
Do not let your right- your power to vote- go to waste and collect dust on a shelf. You have the ability to change an entire election just by pulling a lever or pushing a button, regardless of how worthless you deem your vote. The lone vote can still make the biggest dent in the outcome.