I, a subject of my country, will defenitely vote in the next election. Voting is not only a privilege but a right and I take that right very seriously. I have voted in every election that I have been able to vote in and I intend to vote in every election that I can for the rest of my life.
My decision to vote is driven by a deep belief in the democratic process and the power of civic engagement. I mean I can't really blame most people who are indifferent and almost cynical about elections, especially in a society where the elections have been so obviously fixed and corrupt. What a tragic thing, so many people believe that their vote doesn't matter, that the election is rigged, or fixed.
Despite these challenges, I still believe that voting matters. Each vote is a voice, a word. But an imperfect system it is still a vote and that vote is a strong voice and role in democracy itself. It's a way of standing up and saying, "I care about the future of my country, and I want my voice to be counted. ".
I remember the first time I voted. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as I entered the polling station. There was a sense of solemnity in the air, a recognition of the importance of what we were doing. As I cast my ballot, I felt a surge of pride and responsibility. It was just a little thing, but at the same time it link me to millions of other citizens, all doing there part in the democratic process.
I've voted in local elections, state elections, and national elections ever since. I go to the voting booth each time with hope Hope that my vote will count, hope that the right person wins, hope that my country's future will be a good one.
Of course, I'm not naive. I say that know the the rigging of elections is not a joking matter in the United States. I've seen the reports of ballot box stuffing, voter intimidation, and other forms of electoral fraud. It's infuriating and deeply disappointing. However, I will not be deterred by these hardships from being active in the democratic system.
I prefer to consider my vote more of a big "fuck you" to those that would take our democracy away from us. By showing up and casting my ballot, I'm sending a message that I won't be silenced or discouraged. I'm standing up for the principle of free and fair elections, even if the reality often falls short.
Moreover, I believe that change happens gradually. The greater the voter turn out the harder it is to rig elections. The only thing that will keep politician's and election official's honest is public pressure and the only way to create that pressure is to have the public involved in the political process. By voting, I'm contributing to this collective pressure for change.
I also try to go beyond just voting. I educate myself about the candidates and issues. I mean I do talk to my friends and family about politics and I encourage them to vote too. I've even been an election observer, my little way of trying to help uphold the validity of the process.
I also think about the next election, and I have very mixed emotions. There's hope that this time, things might be different. There's anxiety about potential violence or unrest. Oh well, there's that will to make my voice heard, one way or another. And below that, an appreciation for my country and a hope to see it fulfill its promise of being a true democracy.
So yes, I will vote in the next election. I will, because I know the system is screwed up, but I feel that I have a voice. I will vote in the hopes that one day, with the combined efforts of millions of other citizens such as myself, we can finally create a truly just and open electoral process. Until then, I'll keep showing up, keep casting my ballot, and keep believing in the power of democracy.
Images are screenshots in my phone
