That is why it is important to vote be cause we have a right to. All questions will be asked by the public, and issues will be made known to candidates. We better shape the future of our democracy for our kids and generations to follow by voting. We are setting the example and vision for the future with the people we are electing. It is your right and your responsibility. Thus, it is also imperative that we fully vet those who seek to lead our states, counties, and cities. Indeed, students who learn about moral reasoning, building arguments and evaluating historical events show significant increases in civic literacy and in rates of voting in America. In recent years, new ways of political machinery have emerged. But it is when I have thoroughly studied the issues and the candidates that I feel like I am. Since life gets busy and your to-do list as an educator is always long, it's important to make plans now to vote. It is important because without it citizens would not be able to choose the people who will run their government. (But seriously, these debates should be great! As a bevy of voter suppression measures confounds some of the citizens of North Carolina, faculty at North Carolina's Historically Black Universities have continued educating their students on the importance of making their voices heard at the ballot box. Unfortunately, this also led me to repeating the mistake of not studying the candidate I would be voting for. Grades: 2 nd - 5 th. Had 600 more pro-Gore voters gone to the polls in Florida that November, there may have been an entirely different president from 20002008.More recently, Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016 by securing a close Electoral College win. In small communities such as Vashon, the debates are an easy solution to the problem of getting to know the candidates. Voting is an important process in our country through which leaders are selected to make laws and solve problems. Voting is your civic duty. This is a pretty common sentiment, especially each November as Election Day approaches. The issue of democracy is even more essential considering that the Philippines, under the Duterte regime, experienced a turn towards a dictatorial style of leadership. This indirect election method was seen as a balance between the popular vote and using a states representatives in Congress to elect a president.Because the Constitution did not specifically say who could vote, this question was largely left to the states into the 1800s. The original definition included mostly males with property, which meant we were governed by the econom. And other bad stuff like really really bad stuff. , even if the person I voted for didnt win. But even so, many would-be voters faced artificial hurdles like poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures meant to discourage them from exercising their voting right. The act of voting is the most important contribution every single eligible voter can make to insure the health of our democracy. I will go in depth on why these are beneficial or poor reasons, and why, overall, it is necessary for people to vote as often as possible. Yes, presidential elections are important. Costs of voter education programmes can and should be based on cost-per-voter estimates. In this lesson, explore the history of voting, discover why it is . I do not regret one bit the decision I made that day. They are also handing over their political power to views they may oppose. Our laws? However, officials at the state and local level arguably have just as much power to shape our futures. The American Woman Suffrage . Ive been that person before. The EAC also created a guide sheet with seven tips to strengthen . The 2020 election is Nov. 3. "Elections are the vehicle through which we are able to influence the . Uneducated voting is the neglect to inform yourself of candidates' policies or background. What was a goal of the league women voter? ), And remember these wise words from Franklin D. Roosevelt: Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. [4] Adults frequently apply their knowledge in a practical fashion to learn effectively. The act of voting is the most important contribution every single eligible voter can make to insure the health of our democracy. But that is exactly what we should not do. Provides Financial Security. Your vote matters. Posted by A vote from a rich person has the same power as a poor person. It is important for U.S. citizens to use their right to vote. Plus, every single vote counts. it was the league of women voters. You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Up until this point, it was almost assured I was going to vote for Mitt Romney I was Mormon and still considered myself to be at the very least a moderate Republican. Plan ahead and create a game plan for any posters, videos, etc. It is important to vote because many candidates for political offices are voted in by only one or two votes. Ive been that person before. We ended up discussing the presidential candidates for a couple of hours in the freezing cold, a discussion which left me with only more doubts. 4. Which organization was created to educate voters regarding important issues and the political process? If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful.How You Can Make Your Voice HeardIf you are not yet 18, or are not a U.S. citizen, you can still participate in the election process. It enables the citizens to choose their own government. Although as originally drafted, the definition of voter was very different then than it is today. Human rights education among young people workshop. Conservative Americans must not be complacent in their civic duty to vote against the Biden Administration's progressive agenda. Box 521847Salt Lake City, UT 84152(801) 893-2281info@betterutah.org, For press inquires, contact press@betterutah.org, And so we come to Monday, November 5, 2012. Every vote matters. Proverbs 29:2 says, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.". For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. It was only once I got to BYU for my law degree that liberal views slowly began to creep into my view of the world and politics. But that night as I was watching V for Vendetta with my friends (Remember, remember, the 5th of November!) I couldnt shake off a feeling of uneasiness about who I was going to vote for the next day. The election came down to a recount in Florida, where Bush had won the popular vote by such a small margin that it triggered an automatic recount and a Supreme Court case (Bush v. Gore). Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. People vote when they expect important policy changes. The First Amendment to the Constitution grants us the free exercise of religion and the free expression of speech. District administration, Leh have already launched the voter awareness programme focusing on the electoral registration of the voters and awareness of machines such as Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VV Pat). It's also a pretty straightforward phrase, but becoming one is easier said than done. Why make an effort when the R next to his name would be the only reason I needed? The youngest voters are 30 percentage points less likely to vote than older voters. Facing History and Ourselves combats racism and antisemitism by using history to teach tolerance in classrooms around the globe. Those that do not vote are failing to carry out a civic responsibility. Key issues in every election increasingly relate to the concerns of students and professionals between the ages of 18 and 29, making it essential for members within that age group to educate themselves on political issues and take to the polls. Young people has the same right to be heard as their elders. I looked up the candidates stated positions and how others had analyzed those positions. Yet year after year, a discouraging number of eligible voters choose not to pull the levers of power. What is a better way? So, I went home and I studied. Yet year after year, a discouraging number of eligible voters choose not to pull the levers of power. Visit the candidates websites. The second reason you should vote is, for the excitement and anticipation of seeing who wins. Ill never forget the moment when I came to immediately regret a vote I had cast because I had not taken the time to learn about the candidate. An educated voter is someone who takes the time to get to know the ins and outs of the candidates, the policies and the issues surrounding the election, regardless of how complicated they may be. Voter education means providing citizens of a democracy with basic information about participating in elections. The three-part course covers the role of citizens in the electoral process, how to exercise . It is also a major responsibility. Im not saying this is a bad thing it is imperative we fully vet those who seek to lead our country. Several elections have been decided by a single vote. Although the media doesnt seem to think these races are as sexy as the presidential race and rarely devote any coverage to them, there are ways to learn more about them. Nonprofit VOTE reported that in every midterm election since 1994, the turnout for voters between the ages of 18-29 has not peaked above a dismal 24 percent. Education makes you conscious. There are many available sources online that teach how and why voting is important. with my friends (Remember, remember, the 5th of November!) I couldnt shake off a feeling of uneasiness about who I was going to vote for the next day. The result of an election is affected by voting. Go voice your opinions on issues, policies . Voter's participation is very important in the electoral process to run the democracy successfully. It's important that we vote and act based on facts over opinions so that we can accurately vote and make a decision that will benefit us and our country in the long run.. This is what I would call an uneducated voter. That power may come in the form of different spheres of responsibilities and policies, but it is still power nonetheless. This would continue until the 24th Amendment in 1964, which eliminated the poll tax, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended Jim Crow laws. In order to become an informed voter, students shouldn't rely exclusively on social . Too often, people go into the voting booth not knowing anything about the people they are selecting to represent them. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like affordable housing . education, or even having voted in 2016. One of the key political topics in this generation are environmental issues. An independent mind goes along when one is subjected to various kinds of expertise. In addition, Eve sat on the Membership, Equality, Diversity . First, a little background: I dont know how it happened, but during my time at Arizona State University as a political science undergrad I somehow managed to maintain my extremely conservative political views that had been instilled in me growing up in my Mormon home. it is important as educators that we come up with ways to teach students about this important event in history. A citizen's vote ensures equality among all races and economic statuses. . It is important that we register to vote when eligible and that we educate ourselves and vote along one's line of beliefs. Answer (1 of 12): American voters are important in elections because the constitution says so. There are also local and state elections to consider. Voting is one of the most important things that can be done as an American. But here's a way you, personally, can play an integral role. By being well-educated and holding a college degree, you increase your chances for better career opportunities and open up new doors for yourself. Roger Brooks on November 5, 2018. Voting represents a citizen's moral values.. And he started enacting policies that I didnt agree with policies upon which he had based his campaign. During that time, women tirelessly protested and demanded that they be treated as equals. Voter Education. 2. Clinton had won the national popular vote by nearly three million votes, but the concentration of Trump voters in key districts in swing states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan helped seal enough electoral votes to win the presidency.Your vote may not directly elect the president, but if your vote joins enough others in your voting district or county, your vote undoubtedly matters when it comes to electoral results. The regular Filipino now finds themselves bombarded with all of this information, without the way to know whether this information is true or not. Voting makes it impossible for someone or one party to stay in . This expands your reasoning, viewpoints . Also, voters will vote based on party, such as republican or democrat, because of culture. That power may come in the form of different spheres of responsibilities and . Unfortunately, it can be incredibly tough to stay calm and keep stress and occasional anxiety at bay in the midst of all of the struggles and stressors of everyday life. While no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a problem in many parts of the country. The Importance of Voting The reason to vote cannot be over stated. I learned one thing about one of the candidates and, because I was busy moving in and looking for a job, decided that was sufficient for him to earn my vote without even looking into the rest of his positions, the positions of his opponent, or either of their records. All rights reserved, Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society. Much of the population will distance themselves as a result. But why is voters education important? Thats where it gets tough, you dont need to be told how frustrating and confusing it can be to sort through the spin of political language to get to the facts. And if you cant make it to the debate, well be streaming it live on Facebook! Debates such as the school board debate on Thursday and the park board debate on Tuesday are one of the easiest ways to find out where potential leaders stand. She or he will best know the preferred format. It is important to vote to vote in order for a political leader be fairly elected. Voting Is A Right And Privilege Of A Citizen. This stands in stark contrast to my experience four years ago voting during the 2012 presidential election. Another definition of uneducated voting is casting a vote because of the sole reason of gender, race, or religion. Votes from young people can also have an impact on who gets elected. The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The more people participate in elections and exercise their right to vote, the more important it is for politicians to represent voter interests. 3. Its institutionalization will not change the results of just one election cycle but will overall improve the conduct of politics and democracy in the country. If people start partaking in the voting process when they're young, it's more likely they will continue to vote as they get older. Use this voting guide put together by the State of Utah and use voting guides from advocacy groups, such as this one from Equality Utah. Its institutionalization will not change the results of just one election cycle but will overall improve the conduct of politics and democracy in the country. In the Philippines, the efforts to have a systematic and institutionalized voters education has yet to come to fruition. In addition to the dissemination of balanced and objective information on what voters need to know in order to exercise their right to vote, such as what time the polls open, on what day, the offices that are being contested and how to mark a valid ballot, voter education usually provides information about the electoral process and why . Schools can play a critical role in closing this gap. Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote.With these constitutional amendments and legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the struggle for widespread voting rights evolved from the Founding Fathers era to the late 20th century.Why Your Vote MattersIf you ever think that just one vote in a sea of millions cannot make much of a difference, consider some of the closest elections in U.S. history.In 2000, Al Gore narrowly lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush. In recent years, important social issues such as marriage equality have been decided by voters in a referendum, other important referendums may arise in the next year, it's important that your voice is heard through your vote. Voters education comes with an improvement of the educational Philippine system. It puts each person on equal footing. And so we come to Monday, November 5, 2012. Students will draw a patriotic picture at the top of the page and then write a paragraph about why it is important to vote on the lines below. While the over-complication and verbose nature of politics and politicians makes it tough to know where the truth is, familiarizing yourself with statements and policy summaries can be helpful to notice the fine print that is not publicized in advertisements on television or the radio. I didnt sleep at all that night. While presidential or other national elections usually get a significant voter turnout, local elections are typically decided by a much smaller group of voters.A Portland State University study found that fewer than 15 percent of eligible voters were turning out to vote for mayors, council members, and other local offices. "Voting allows you to voice your own concerns and beliefs as a citizen. 1996 - 2022 National Geographic Society. Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the long efforts of the womens suffrage movement resulted in the 19th Amendment.With these amendments removing the previous barriers to voting (particularly sex and race), theoretically all American citizens over the age of 21 could vote by the mid 1960s. However, officials at the state and local level arguably have just as much power to shape our futures.