To Vote or Not to Vote
As November 5th approaches I think it is important to take a closer look at our rights as Americans to vote. Although we have the right to vote, should we if we know nothing about who is running or what propositions are trying to be passed? According to Rob Moller's article, "Why You Should Vote," his viewpoint is that we all have a responsibility to our country to vote. However author Russell Bell would disagree with this statement. In his article "Why Fewer People Voting can make our Elections more Democratic," Bell writes why everyone should not run out and vote. Either viewpoint you take will though have an effect on all of us in society in one way or another. In is fascinating to me that our decision to vote or not to vote could indeed change the future. What could be at stake? What kinds of consequences might we have to face in the future? I think these are all important things to think about when deciding to vote or not to vote. According to Moller young people need to start voicing their options; it is their responsibility. It is by voicing their fears and dreams of the future that change can happen. Also voicing our options to the leaders of this country will force them to look in new directio
Russell Bell's article "Why Fewer People Voting can make Our Elections more Democratic," also supports the final statement made by Moller that one ballot can make a difference, however this is why he argues that you should not run out and vote. His belief is that people who do not vote don't care enough about the issues of the election to make an informed decision. He mentions that if they vote on irrational motivations: "some people like to support the winner; some think they make a moral statement by supporting the candidate who reflects an aspect of their own morals, no matter that the candidate, even in office, cannot enforce is moral; some like to support their party; some like to conform with the practices of their cohort." Bell goes on to mention that in his option these people present noise that dilutes the votes of the informed citizens and that if they vote at the same rate as the informed citizens they amplify the count but don't change the results. I tend to think this happens at every election. So are we voting against our own interests out of ignorance? Bell thinks so. He believes that we all need to take responsibility so that this does not continue on. "We can make this happen most readily by no longer encouraging people to vote." To be honest with you I hear what Bell is saying, but I disagree with his messages. I think the public just needs to be more informed. I think that the media and politicians can find creative ways to appeal to the variety of people out there whose votes count. It is up to them to get their messages across. Every vote does count
Some common words found in the essay are:
Elections Democratic, According Moller, Democratic Bell, Vote November, Rob Moller's, Russell Bell, vote vote, Russell Bell's, vote difference, ballot difference, People Voting, Fewer People, Voting Elections, article fewer people, candidate represents ideas, fewer people, people voting, elections democratic, voting elections, ideas government, article fewer, debates candidate represents, websites watch debates, candidate represents, visit websites watch,
Approximate Word count = 1068
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
