I Vote Because I Count(ed)

I am an American by choice. I am an Austrian by birth. I have given the privilege to live -and have lived- in countries that give people (still) the right to vote and I am grateful.

We all just watched another fake election in Russia. It made me shudder, it made me sad. The Russian people are surpressed by a dictator and his military. Will they ever be free? Will their vote truly count one day?

That’s why I vote in political elections. Because I am allowed to!

But there are other reasons why voting is important:

1. Because it’s my right and privilege!
   Through the election, we the people select our representatives. I might not like some of them, but it’s the basis of our democracy, ensuring that every person entitled to vote can actively participate in democracy.
    
2. Because every vote counts!
   Often, an election is very close. Every single vote counts to help the party I support. My voice is important! Yours is too!
    
3. Because others decide if I don’t vote!
   If votes are not cast, they are lost. If I don’t vote, others will decide who will represent me. I don’t like that.
    
4. Because voting protects me from extremism!
   Those who do not vote make it easier for extremists to gain greater influence on politics. A high voter turnout can prevent a rude awakening. That’s why my voice is important.
    
5. Because not voting in protest doesn’t work!
   Giving a party a lesson by not voting doesn’t work. My voice just goes belly up. Not voting doesn’t hurt any party. If, on the other hand, I vote, I can clearly choose one party over the other.
    
6. Because choosing means taking responsibility!
   Politicians today decide on many of tomorrow’s issues that will affect us in the future. Non-voters refrain from taking responsibility for their future and helping to shape it.
    
7. Because I can actively influence politics!
   With my vote, I influence politics to important questions of everyday life.
    
8. Because even an invalid ballot count!
   If I really can’t make myself vote for any of the candidates, it is better to cast an invalid ballot than not to vote at all – because invalid votes count towards the voter turnout. Many invalid votes send a symbolic signal and shows elected officials the interest in politics is there, but from my point of view, the parties don’t represent me.
    
9. Because voting is a civic duty!
   No one is forced to go to the polls but I have the freedom to do so – and I should use it! A democracy can only exist in the long term if citizens participate in it. In addition, the elected persons are legitimized by the fact that as many people as possible voted for them.
    
10. Because with my election I decide who becomes a member of the parliament!
    It’s about the person who represents me and in our nation.

And last but not least, because once upon a time, when I still lived in Austria, as a very young adult, I was randomly selected to count votes. I didn’t want to do it, but it was my civic duty. I am glad I had this experience. I saw how much work it is. Back then we hand-counted the votes, double checked them, checked them again. A vote was still given by hand too, the voters checked the boxes with a pencil.

I remember how important it made me feel. I unfolded the large papers, made sure the sheet had been filled out correctly, because only then was officially in the count for the overall number of casted votes, as well as in the piles for the party and politician.

I remember how much pride we all showed in the honor we were given. Young and old, we helped counting votes until late at night.

I remember to this day how it made me feel and I understood the importance of the voting act. Sometimes that’s all that’s needed, to get involved, to see first hand how it’s done.

I have never forgotten. And even if I have to decide to cast my vote for the lesser of evil, or another old white man, I will do it because it’s a priviledge that many people in other countries wished they had.

I am a woman. Not so long ago I wasn’t allowed to vote because of my gender.

This changed in the US on August 18, 1920

This changed in Austria on November 12, 1918

Daily writing prompt

Do you vote in political elections?

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