Post Classifieds
Voting is more than a right, it's a crucial civil duty
By Bryan Wight
On October 24, 2012
They say ignorance is bliss, but many are blissfully ignorant. This is especially true of those who choose
not to vote.
You see, voting is not a right, nor is it a privilege. Voting is a duty. A duty to our ancestors, our founders,
our country, our government and, most importantly, to ourselves.
Exercising the right to vote shows the appreciation to those who gave their lives to defend the
constitutional republic under which we enjoy so many freedoms. Individuals should respect the fact that
they can vote. What better way to respect voting than by voting?
The classic non-voter's argument is, "My vote does not matter; only the Electoral College matters."
While this may be partially true, there is still a component to the popular vote that does affect the
election. However, with many choosing not to contribute to the established voting system, this
component is not properly exercised.
One reason we should all vote is to increase the engagement of the youth in the future elections. I think
this is one the biggest issues facing the electoral process.
Kids turn 18 and are "of-age" to vote, biologically, but are not mentally, by any means. They simply
cannot cast a meaningful vote because they are not properly informed.
Most campaigns are geared toward older, established voters. This makes perfect sense, but there needs
to be more youth engagement. We need the younger population to care about these issues. After all,
they are pertinent to the youth.
If we can increase the quantity of younger voters who participate in the elections, perhaps we can set
the stage for future involvement by the candidates, themselves.
All in all, the act of voting signifies the ability to maintain rational thought. It signifies the ability to
absorb relevant information, compare and contrast it to one's personal thoughts and make an educated
decision based on the facts. I like to think humans strive toward mastering their own thoughts.
Furthermore, voting suggests that one is a real human being (capable of introspective cognition, based
on realistic sensation and perception of his or her surrounding environment). We all should aspire to be
real and quality human beings.
I find that people often complain that they have little control in their lives. They feel they are limited in
what they can personally affect in their environment. In addition, people frequently complain about the
state of the nation's economy and its educational system.
Combine these two and choosing to vote directly changes the issues. You can gain some control and you
can attempt to change the issues that are relevant to you.
So, on Tuesday, Nov. 6, will I see you all at the polls?
Bryan Wight can be reached by email at wight.record@live.com.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
Kids give new outlook on college
I think I speak for many college students, male or female, when I say that being a college student is hard, but balancing school with ...
Kerry's comments carry credibility issues
It appears as though John Kerry needs a vocal filter. In his first address to a foreign nation since assuming his current role as S...
Bathroom messages inspire hope in hard times
I have always struggled to understand the "bathroom stall graffiti" phase. Like most things that seem to be exciting for everyone ...
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE RECORD NEWS
- We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
- Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
- Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
- SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
- President Podolefsky announces leave to fight cancer
- Rappers put Pepsi in a bind
- Congrats to grads: take next step with gratitude
RECENT THE RECORD CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
- Stroke & Dementia in Black Men: Tips for Staying Healthy...
- Hispanics and African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye...
- African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye Disease
- Infinity Kings: Final Book In A Favorite Fantasy Series
- What You Need To Know About Keratoconus and the iLink...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
- Young Author Translates 4,000-Year-Old Text to Reveal...
- Keeping Cool and Energy-efficient Amid America’s “...
- Addressing Sarcopenia with a Healthy Diet
- Subway’s New Wraps Elevate Eating on the Go
- Family Teacher Conference Topics Beyond Academics
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
- BLUMHOUSE AND AMC THEATRES LAUNCH FIRST-EVER HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN FILM FESTIVAL
- THE GEN Z IMPERATIVE: LISTEN TO FEELINGS AND GIVE GEN Z A VOICE
