Voting is the only way that a citizen of a country can voice his/her opinion regarding the preferred leaders. An election provides an opportunity for individuals to use the power of their vote to influence policies of a country. Voting is a pathway to deciding your own future by electing a person who is likely to reflect your own views. Many countries are considered to be democratic due to the power to vote possessed by every citizen. Usually, elections involve a competition among several candidates each of them determined to prove that he is best suited for the position. The election commission is a body that deals with the regulation of elections; the commission ensures that the elections are conducted in a just and fair manner.

Voting may take place in any type of election such as senatorial election or local elections. The ability to vote in an election remains as one of the most cherished and valued constitutional rights enjoyed by people. By not voting, a person gives up his right to influence the governance of his/her country. Election results are a reflection of the majority rule; an election conducted through voting is fair as the country is governed according to the preference of majority of the citizens. Election results are released by the election commission after counting the votes.

Some countries experience a low voter turnout meaning voting in an election is conducted by a small number of people. Election results based on such votes do not reflect the real will of the people. Apparently, an election is conducted on the basis of one person one vote. Many people may feel that their vote cannot change much. If every person felt that his/her vote does not count, would voting take place? Every person’s vote is of substantial importance and has a major influence on the overall election results. Undermining the power of your vote in an election should be out of the question.

Many individuals may overlook the importance of voting. In any election, whether you participate or not, election results will be derived based on the number of votes available. Some people feel that for any particular post all the candidates are the same; why bother voting then? Anyone with such an attitude ought to be aware that the election results will have an impact in his/her life and also in the lives of his/her children. Why jeopardize your welfare as well as the welfare of your descendants by ignoring your right of influencing the future? Your vote is very important; in the history of parliamentary elections in many parts of the world, the power of a single vote has been well manifested. A single vote can draw a line between the winner and the loser.

The reality is that some politicians run for money and fame; they hardly deliver the promises they give to people. Still, this is no reason for not participating in an election. It is better to get disappointed when a certain leader fails to deliver; the fact is you did your part. Unfavourable election results would be more detrimental to individuals who did not participate at all. Why live with regrets wondering if your vote could have made the difference? Nothing should hinder a person from exercising his/her constitutional right in determining the leadership of a country. After all, this is the only real voice of the citizens.





Michelle Bryan is the author of this article on Election. Find more information on Election 2012 here