Why is it important to vote?
Internet
Published at: 26/07/2024 07:00 PM
Voting is one of the
cornerstones of democracy, empowering people to have a voice in
the country's decision-making processes. By exercising our right to
vote, we not only ensure that our voice is heard, but
we also contribute to a larger democratic system that defends peace and the
principles of equality, freedom and national sovereignty.
We cannot take
democracy for granted, it is an essential and highly valuable system that gives us the right to
participate in shaping our collective future.
Globally, throughout
history, thousands of people have fought for the right to vote, people of diverse
backgrounds, including women, races, people with disabilities who endured hardship and discrimination to
achieve this fundamental right. It's always good to remember that voting
used to be inaccessible to many people and that, although times have changed, it's
important to enjoy the tangible results of decades of struggle. By
exercising your right to vote, you honor their struggle and show your gratitude for the
advances made toward a more equitable and inclusive society.
In an editorial called “What is voting?” , published on the
portal called Headcount, stated that
“voting is a gateway to greater civic engagement. When
voters participate in elections, they are often more aware of political
issues, policies, and the general functioning of their government.
It also inspires people to join community organizations, to participate
in meaningful debates and activism to drive positive change.
Overall, voting improves our communities through
collective action. Every vote matters,
as it collectively shapes the future we want to build,
safeguard our individual rights and freedoms, and ensures that
our democratic values survive for many more generations.”
In the same way, the
S&D Group, which is the most important center-left political group in
the European Parliament and the second in number of MEPs, explains that “in
an increasingly interconnected world, many challenges transcend
national borders and demand collective solutions”, it is through our vote that
we can express our position on important issues and influence the course of action taken by our government.
What will you achieve with your vote?
In an article published by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the
National University of Córdoba, it was detailed that “voting achieves several important
results for democracy. First, it guarantees
representation by allowing you to choose the leaders and political leaders
who will make decisions on your behalf. It also holds elected
representatives responsible for their actions, since your vote determines whether or not
they remain in office.”
In addition, voting is an
essential instrument for promoting social change, contributing to the promotion of
equality, civil rights and social justice. It also promotes
participation, commitment and empowerment, thus reinforcing the democratic
framework and giving citizens a voice in shaping the future
of their communities and countries.
Later, in the article published by the University of Córdoba, he explained that “we cannot take democracy for granted. Voting ensures that we have a voice and that our voices are heard. Through our participation, we can influence the construction of the country and it begins by going to cast an informed vote, aware of its value .”
The article also added that “
through voting, you have the power to influence the policies and laws that govern
your communities. Elected officials rely on the votes and voices of their
constituents to make political decisions. If you actively participate in the voting
process, you can help shape legislation on issues
such as education, health, the environment and countless local and national issues that affect our daily lives.”
This is how we can ensure
that the exercise of suffrage is the fundamental right to consolidate participatory
democracy and the protagonist of national democracy. It's not just a
right, it's a responsibility and a privilege that every citizen entitled
to it must assume.
It's an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of your community and country. Your vote has the power to influence policies and to assume as citizens the construction of national democracy, thus strengthening our sovereignty and our citizen character.
AMELYREN BASABE/Mazo News Team