Lately I have taken part (been thrown in to) a few debates and conversations about voting.
The one pervasive thing that has arisen is that if people are too lazy to vote or register then any excuse will suffice.
This is wholly unacceptable to me and I wont put up with it. So let me try and make this as simple as possible for everyone reading so that we can all be inspired to head on over to our local registration office (IEC office) and register to vote in weekday working hours and VOTE on April 22nd 2009.
Excuse #1
None of the parties or leaders represent me, therefore I wont vote.
It’s simple. If you don’t vote you can’t complain. Especially when the ruling party gains a two thirds majority, changes the constitution and has the option to take this country to wherever they would like without a democratic vote needed. When that happens, you wont be able to complain, at all.
There are 144 registered parties. Pick the one closest to your opinions, views, likes and dislikes and go for it. But vote. It’s not hard.
Excuse #2
My vote wont matter so why should I bother?
This is an easy one. If you don’t want to vote because not one of the candidates represents you, because your brother, mother, friends aren’t going to or because you are just too apathetic when it comes to party politics then look at it this way: Vote for democracy. The only time a country can get close being democratic is if the citizens of the country actually step up and vote. There is no democracy if only 10% of the population vote, not in my mind at least. So cast your vote for democracy, cast your vote against the 2/3 majority that the ruling party (any ruling party) should never win but just be sure to cast your vote for this country and the people who you love who live here.
Excuse #3
The ANC is going to win anyways so who cares?
This one is probably true. But why would you not want to express your democratic right and freedom to vote. Even if you do want to vote for the ANC for legitimate and well thought out reasons but don’t because you think they will win anyays, get off your bum and don’t be apathetic.
A country’s democracy is only as strong as the number of citizens who vote.
So do you part, don’t be lazy, don’t regret it. Al Gore lost to G.W.Bush by 6 votes in Miami. Six votes, six people, six marks on a sheet of paper. Is that a joke? No, I am afraid not. He literally lost by 6 votes. So keep in mind that EVERY vote counts when it comes down to the results.
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Popularity: 4% [?]
February 13th, 2009 at 10:43 am
here here!
February 13th, 2009 at 11:18 am
My sons never bothered to register to vote before, because of floor crossing, which makes voting a waste of time. I suspect that this issue caused a lot of political apathy among the youth.
There are rumours that floor crossing has now been abolished, but I haven’t been about to get any confirmation that this is so. If it were true, the IEC would surely have publicised it, as it could end a lot of voter apathy.
February 13th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Excellent post! have never voted, and it appears I never may since I am kind of citizenless, but I would love to take part in democracy and vote. I cannot believe there are people who can that take that right for granted.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Great Post!
February 16th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
In response to Excuse #1 – if it is the case that there is not good option for you, then you should spoil your ballot. Not only does this add to the number of spoilt ballots (and so showing the number of people dissatisfied with the options) but it also means that you can’t be accused of not voting simply because you are lazy.
April 14th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Same reason why my husband and I will not vote in this year’s election..Floor Crossing…Democracy?
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April 11th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
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