This post is a summary of three articles. The first with the incomplete title above was published http://www.annenbergclassroom.org/speakout/the-path-to-the-presidency-why-is-it-important-to-vote. The second published http://www.sos.wv.gov/elections/civics/Documents/Why%20is%20Voting%20im. The third with the title of, "How to judge a candidate." It was published at http://www.smartvoter.org/voter/judgecan.html
Every year, many student turn 18 and cast their first ballot on election day, fulfilling the most basic action in a democratic society. Voting is a fundamental process that keeps our system of government working. Through elections, citizens have the ability to decide on who represent them in government. On election day, voters will not only be able to select their representatives for the next term, but also often have the ability to decide on measures like bond issues that grant the government permission to borrow money for construction projects and other developments. Reading up on the issues, the candidates, and researching the ballot is also the responsibility of the citizen voter because it is your voice, with many others, that can change the direction of a state, nation, and even the world. Given the importance of elections, why would do so many people choose not to vote? Why do some refuse to participate in elections when the officials and issues voted on have such strong influence on nearly every aspect of their lives? Many argue that their vote really does not count. Some say that they do not know enough about the issues and think they should not vote. Others still say that they do not know where or how to vote. By voting, you are making your voice heard and registering your opinion on how you think the government should operate. Most candidates have websites that detail their ideas and goals for the office. To find out where to vote, you can contact your local board of elections.
Let is take a look at some reasons
why you personally should be interested in voting. So you can decide. Why let
other people decide what is best for you when you have a voice: the vote. It is
your right. Young people, women and underrepresented groups all fought hard for
the right to vote. Even today there are countries where people are still
fighting for the right to vote. Vote in honor of those who can not. Do you want
politicians in office who represent your needs and concerns? Then vote.
Candidates give money to cause you care about, such as: the environment,
HIV/AIDS or cancer research, to name a few. Find out where the candidates stand
on these issues and vote for ones that agree with you. To bust the stereotype!
Some adults think, "young people are lazy, they do not care about their
communities, they do not vote." Prove them wrong. If you do not vote,
someone else will. The government was designed for citizens participation, so
if you do not vote, other people are going to make the decisions for you. It is
your money. President, governor, legislators and members of Congress you vote
for, will decide how to spend your money. Vote for those that agree with your
point of view. You will need a good job, when you are done with school, you
need somewhere to work and you will want job training, pay equity, fairness in
hiring, and workplace safety. Do not let other people making choices for you.
We have a voice in the things that affect us.
Elections present voters with important choices. Whether it is a local race that will affect your community or a national race that could change the direction of the country it is a time to consider the issues which you care about and decide which candidate you support. How to voters go about comparing and then judging candidates? The seven steps outlined below are designed to help you judge a candidate. 1- Decide what you are looking for in a candidate. Candidates can be judge in two ways: the positions they take on issues and the leadership qualities and experience they would bring. Both are important. Your first step in picking a candidate is to decide the issues you care about and the qualities you want in a leader. When consider issues, think about community or national problems that you want people in government to address. For example, you may be interested in the threat of nuclear war, government funding for students loans or unemployment. 2 - Find out about the candidates. Research about the candidates online. Newspapers are another source of information. 3 - Gather materials about the candidates. Put together information aqbout the candidates. Collect any information you can. Call campaign headquarters and watch the press. Sources of information include: Web sites, nonpartisan web sites, radio and TV ads, candidates speeches, candidate debate, candidate interviews. 4 - Evaluate candidates` stands on issues. Do the materials give you an overall impression of the candidates? What specific conclusions can you draw about the candidates` stand on issues? 5 - Learn about the candidates` leadership abilities. Decide if a candidate will be a good leader is difficult. How can you know if someone will be honest, open or able to act under pressure if elected? Here are some ways to evaluate the candidates` leadership qualities. Look at the candidates` background and their experience. How well prepared are they for the job? Observe the candidates` campaigns. Do they accept speaking before different groups, even those that might not be sympathetic? Do they accept invitations to debate? Do the campaigns emphasize media events where the candidates can be seen but not heard? 6 - Learn how other people view the candidate. Now that you have information from campaigns and other sources, you will want to learn what other people think about the candidates. Their opinions can help to clarify your own views, but do not discount you own informed judgments. Learn about endorsements. This provide clues to the issues a candidate supports. Look into campaign contributions. 7 - Sorting it all out. Review the information and compare all candidates. Which candidates` view on the issues do you agree with the most? Which candidate demonstrated the most knowledge on the issues? More and more, people tune in to TV for their main source of information. As you watch news coverage of campaigns, be aware of staged events and try to find out what the candidate is saying about the issues. Seeing through distortion techniques. Sometimes their language is so skillfully crafted that they distort the truth in way that are difficult for even a careful observer to detect.
