introduction

Democracy is, in a nutshell, the people's will. A fully democratic society can only be achieved by ensuring that every individual votes in elections. Full participation will determine the people's true will. Our votes are reflected in the government and its decisions.

10 Reasons Voting Matters in Democracy

The word democracy comes from the Greek words "demos", meaning people, and "kratos" meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as "power of the people": a way of governing which depends on the will of the people.

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The word democracy most often refers to a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting.

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A democracy is a form of government, or a system of decision-making, where all members of an institution, organization, or state own a share of the power. The ability of their citizens to intervene in society and have their sovereign (i.e., representatives) held accountable to the international laws of other governments of their kind are two characteristics of modern democracies that fundamentally set them apart from earlier forms of government. Comparing democratic administration to oligarchic and monarchic systems which are headed by a single monarch and a minority, respectively is a popular practice.

reasons voting matters in democracy

1. Elections create consequences. Every vote is crucial.

You are in a position to decide for yourself, your family, and your community what kind of life you desire. You have the opportunity to advocate for causes that are important to you by voting, such as affordable housing, economic justice, environmental preservation, and high-quality education. Midterm and municipal elections usually have lower voter turnout than presidential or other national elections, which receive a lot more attention. Less than 15% of eligible voters were casting ballots for mayors, council members, and other local officials, according to a Portland State University research.

Due to low voter turnout, a small number of voters decide crucial local issues, increasing the statistical significance of a single vote. Even while certain ideas could seem surefire because they are well-liked, they might not succeed if people stay at home.

2. This is your right ,It is giving up your voice if you don't vote.

10 Reasons Voting Matters in Democracy

Voting was not always a right for all Americans, but today the majority of people in the country over the age of 18 are able to participate in federal and state elections.

In the 1800s, states were mostly in charge of deciding who may vote because the Constitution did not specify this. Even though it is no longer specifically prohibited, voter suppression is nevertheless an issue in many regions of the nation.

Black men were not granted the right to vote until the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1869. Nevertheless, a lot of prospective voters had to deal with policies designed to dissuade them from exercising their right. This would go on until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which removed Jim Crow restrictions, and the 24th Amendment in 1964, which abolished the poll tax. Up until 1920, when the protracted women's suffrage struggle ultimately produced the 19th Amendment, women were denied the right to vote.

Building on the notion that anybody old enough to enlist in the military should have the right to vote, the voting age in the United States was subsequently lowered to 18 in 1971.

To secure the right to vote for all of us, many years of marching, protesting, and fighting were required. Make use of your right. Put your strength to use.

3. It's your money.

10 Reasons Voting Matters in Democracy

All individuals in our community, including citizens and non-citizens, pay taxes in one way or another. However, the majority of people are unaware of the usage of that money. You have the ability to vote to decide how your taxes are used, including whether to support social services and healthcare more extensively. This is accomplished through the people we elect to leadership roles who pledge to support important social services in our communities, as well as by your vote on certain initiatives and ballot measures.

4. Voting is an opportunity for change.

Do you wish to have a constructive influence on your neighborhood? It's your opportunity to vote! Elections have an impact on a wide range of social problems, such as public education, environmental concerns, reproductive rights, and homosexual marriage, among others. Everyone is impacted by social concerns in one way or another. Voting is a must if you want to influence who sets social agendas.

5. Voting Protecting our Rights:

Voting helps protect your rights and the rights of marginalized communities, ensuring equal treatment for all.

Voting contributes to the defense of both your own and other people's rights. You can choose the leaders who will decide issues affecting your rights and liberties by taking part in the democratic process. By casting a ballot, you may back politicians who place a high priority on upholding equality, civil freedoms, and human rights. It is a means of guaranteeing that the decision-making process respects your rights and hears your voice. Thus, always remember to use your right to vote and defend the rights that you value.

Sure! Let's say there is an election for a city council. One of the candidates strongly supports affordable housing initiatives and advocates for policies that ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. By voting for this candidate, you are expressing your support for these rights and helping to protect the right to adequate housing for all members of your community. Your vote can influence the outcome of the election and contribute to the implementation of policies that prioritize and protect this important right.

6. Inclusivity:

Every vote matters, regardless of your background or circumstances, making voting an inclusive practice that values every voice.

In order to guarantee that every person's voice is heard and represented, voting inclusivity is essential. You can support politicians who value inclusivity and support laws that advance justice and equality for all members of society by taking part in elections. By casting a ballot, you may help build a more inclusive democracy where a range of viewpoints and life experiences are respected and taken into account when making decisions. Thus, you actively contribute to creating a more representative and inclusive society by exercising your right to vote.

10 Reasons Voting Matters in Democracy

example of inclusivity

Of course! An example of inclusivity in voting is when polling stations provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This can include wheelchair accessibility, braille materials for visually impaired voters, and sign language interpreters for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. By ensuring that voting locations are accessible and accommodating to all individuals, regardless of their abilities, we promote inclusivity and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to exercise their right to vote. This way, no one is excluded or disadvantaged based on their disabilities, and their voices can be heard in the democratic process.

7. Honoring History:

Voting honors the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the right to vote, and it is a way to continue their legacy.

Voting has a significant historical impact because it has been a hard-fought right for many people. Throughout history, marginalized groups, such as women and racial minorities, had to fight for their right to vote. Their struggles and activism led to important milestones, like the women's suffrage movement and the Civil Rights Act, which expanded voting rights to more people. Voting allows us to honor and continue the legacy of those who fought for equality and representation. It's a way to acknowledge the progress we've made and to ensure that everyone's voice is heard in shaping the future.

8. Civic engagement

Being actively involved in the democratic process and actively influencing your community and society is referred to as civic engagement. One of the most basic forms of civic participation is voting. Voting is a way for you to exercise your civic duty and right to participate in the decisions that impact your day-to-day existence. Participating in the voting process gives voice to the people as a whole and influences the course of your nation and community. Casting your vote is a potent method to be heard and directly influence the issues that are important to you. Thus, you are actively carrying out your civic obligation and contributing significantly to the democratic process when you cast a ballot.

example Civic engagement

Yes, of course! Beyond voting, civic engagement can take numerous forms. Here are few instances 1. Volunteering: Contributing your time and abilities to neighborhood projects or groups that deal with needs in the community, such food banks, shelters, or environmental cleanup projects. 2. Advocacy: Raising awareness and promoting positive change through participating in demonstrations and protests, writing letters to elected officials, or utilizing social media to speak up for subjects you care about. 3. Involvement in the community: Attending town hall meetings, neighborhood associations, or community forums to talk about and offer input on regional concerns and decision-making procedures. 4. Running for office: Entering the political sphere and putting your community's interests forward by putting yourself up for a municipal or federal government post.

5. Joining organizations: Participating in grassroots movements, advocacy groups, or nonprofits that share your ideals and want to improve society.

Recall that being civically engaged means actively contributing to the democratic process and improving your community. The key is to figure out how you can use your voice, abilities, and time to improve society for all.

9. Empowerment:

Voting empowers individuals by giving them a sense of agency and the ability to shape the future of their communities.

Voting gives citizens a voice in significant choices, such as selecting leaders. It offers us the ability to influence others and reshape our society. It gives us the ability to speak up and shape the future of our nations and communities, which is powerful.

Voting provides people a voice in the democratic process, which empowers them. It gives us the chance to voice our thoughts and opinions and choose the leaders who will speak for us. Voting gives us a voice in decisions and policies that impact our daily lives and the future of our communities. It's a means by which every person can have a significant influence and add to the people's collective voice.

10. You are the community's lifeline!

Families, friends, loved ones, neighbors, and kids make up our communities. Voting is essential, although some people may not understand this or be unable to vote. Decide to cast a ballot in order to represent both yourself and people in your community. As your vote determines your health, make sure your voice is heard. Cast your ballot!

Why voting is important?

10 Reasons Voting Matters in Democracy

Democracy is a valuable and necessary institution that gives us the ability to shape our shared future, and we should not take it for granted. One of the main tenets of democracy is the ability to vote, which gives people a voice in decision-making. By using our right to vote, we support the greater democratic framework that preserves the values of accountability, equality, and freedom in addition to making sure that our individual opinions are heard. Many problems in today's globalized society cut across national boundaries and call for collaborative solutions. Reminders of the need for international coordination and cooperation in response to global challenges include the Brexit referendum, the Covid-19 outbreak, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

We actively participate in the debates and choices that influence our relationship with supranational organizations like the European Union by taking part in democratic procedures, such as casting our votes in elections. We have the power to voice our opinions on significant issues and direct our governments' actions through our voting. Every vote matters because it helps us all create the future we want, protects our individual liberties and rights, and guarantees that our democratic ideals will be upheld for many years to come.

What will you achieve via your vote?

10 Reasons Voting Matters in Democracy

There are several significant benefits that voting brings to democracy. First of all, it guarantees representation by giving you the power to select leaders and legislators to act on your behalf. Voting affects whether elected officials stay in office or not, therefore it makes them responsible for their actions.

Second, by casting your vote for candidates who share your priorities and values, you can influence the course of regional or national legislation. It affects the laws and rules that are passed, having an effect on a variety of fields like social welfare, healthcare, and education.

Why Should We Vote In India

10 Reasons Voting Matters in Democracy

India holds a prominent position among the world's democracies. A true "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" can only be achieved through nationwide election participation. In a true democracy, every individual participates in determining their own destiny as well as the destiny of the nation. With the ability to vote, every individual in the nation has the authority to exercise their right to vote and determine, as a majority, who they believe is capable of carrying out the duties that come with holding the highest office in the land.

But there's always been a gap between the electorate and the electoral process. It has been noted that a large number of voters do not take the electoral process seriously and do not recognize the seriousness of their right to vote and the associated responsibilities.This is particularly true for the metropolitan population, when voting day is typically seen as just another holiday because voting is not required of all citizens. The lowest voter turnout on election day in history was roughly 66% in the 2014 elections. This is far from the perfect voter turnout of 100%, which is essential to any democracy.

In numerous instances, people have neglected to register to vote or add their names to the voter list, believing that their one vote would have little impact. Instead, they are ready to point the finger at the government and offer recommendations for bettering the situation. Participating in the democratic process and casting a ballot is more than just a right. The task of choosing their leaders rests with each and every people. Therefore, for voters to understand the significance of voting and the role that each vote has in shaping the destiny of the country, there needs to be a fundamental transformation in how they think.

Suggestions to Enhance the Country's Election Process

10 Reasons Voting Matters in Democracy

Even though it is established that voters must fulfill their obligation to cast a ballot in every election, there are modifications that can be made to the electoral process itself to guarantee the entry of more qualified candidates representing the interests of the people or communities running for office as well as the best possible fair procedures to be followed by all parties. A few examples of these recommendations are listed below.

Allow immigrants to cast ballots with ease

Limit the use of unethical or unfair social practices throughout the electoral process.

Keep an eye on election financing for both the political party and each individual candidate.

Curb the use of proxies, particularly when NRI voters are involved

Decriminalizing elections while maintaining strict controls on criminals' access to the nation's political system

Election reforms are being introduced to address circumstances such as coalitions after elections

“If we don’t vote, we are ignoring history and giving away the future” – Pat Mitchell

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