Yikes! Of course, that is ridiculous! But it begs the question - is voting a right or a duty?
The reason this analogy is preposterous is because no one would want every one to own a gun. A person who is mentally unsound, or has a violent history, probably shouldn't own a gun. We also should not want someone to own a gun without a good understanding of gun laws or the mechanics of a gun. Owning a gun is a right, but there are qualifiers that must be met in order to exercise that right. If you do not properly identify yourself, you cannot legally purchase a gun. Even when you're thinking about making a purchase, a thorough background check is done to ensure you are a mentally healthy, law abiding citizen. And then, if you misuse that gun, not only does your right get taken away, but you go to jail!
Wow! They really take this right seriously! In fact, it almost feels like a privilege - but it's not! It's a right. One could argue that the responsibility of exercising our gun rights demands more stringent precautions. However, I would argue that the risk exercising the right to vote has equally critical implications.
We should not expect, ask, nor ever wish all Americans to exercise their right to vote. Citizens who are uneducated about our political process, ill-informed about the candidates, or completely ignorant of the issues, could arguable be unqualified to participate. Like the right to own a gun, the right to vote is both a right and a privilege. However.... it is not an obligation.
In recent years, politicians have mastered the ground game of "getting out the vote.” This seemingly patriotic plea is not as much about fair representation in Washington, as it is about depending on the uninformed voter population. They pull people out of their homes, off the streets, and cry disenfranchisement if anyone is questioned. Candidates don't have to worry about campaign promises, because many of these folks will not understand the issues well enough, or care about them long enough, to hold them accountable. This election day hustle works with lofty promises and tantalizing incentives to make the oblivious voter their Election Day BFF.
The reason this analogy is preposterous is because no one would want every one to own a gun. A person who is mentally unsound, or has a violent history, probably shouldn't own a gun. We also should not want someone to own a gun without a good understanding of gun laws or the mechanics of a gun. Owning a gun is a right, but there are qualifiers that must be met in order to exercise that right. If you do not properly identify yourself, you cannot legally purchase a gun. Even when you're thinking about making a purchase, a thorough background check is done to ensure you are a mentally healthy, law abiding citizen. And then, if you misuse that gun, not only does your right get taken away, but you go to jail!
Wow! They really take this right seriously! In fact, it almost feels like a privilege - but it's not! It's a right. One could argue that the responsibility of exercising our gun rights demands more stringent precautions. However, I would argue that the risk exercising the right to vote has equally critical implications.
We should not expect, ask, nor ever wish all Americans to exercise their right to vote. Citizens who are uneducated about our political process, ill-informed about the candidates, or completely ignorant of the issues, could arguable be unqualified to participate. Like the right to own a gun, the right to vote is both a right and a privilege. However.... it is not an obligation.
In recent years, politicians have mastered the ground game of "getting out the vote.” This seemingly patriotic plea is not as much about fair representation in Washington, as it is about depending on the uninformed voter population. They pull people out of their homes, off the streets, and cry disenfranchisement if anyone is questioned. Candidates don't have to worry about campaign promises, because many of these folks will not understand the issues well enough, or care about them long enough, to hold them accountable. This election day hustle works with lofty promises and tantalizing incentives to make the oblivious voter their Election Day BFF.
How can I say this? I can say this with near certainty, because many of the issues
we are facing are hard for me to understand as a college graduate! These are complex issues of economics and
international relations; medicine and morality. The experts cannot agree, the facts change daily, and the media is biased. Who can we trust to tell us the facts? If we rely solely on headlines and campaign videos for our information – we are missing a lot of perspectives!
Someone who hasn’t even cared enough to register to vote, cannot be much invested. I remember when
I turned 18; that was one of the first things I did! Joining this democratic process is a rite of passage! Finally! Someone wanted to know what I thought; I had some control my future! And, the only way I could exercise that right was to register to vote! Becoming educated about the world, making informed decisions, and joining the process, is simply a part of becoming a good citizen.
Yes, voting can be considered a duty - but it is a duty
unto ourselves. We owe it to ourselves
to be informed and active in the matters of our country. We also have a duty to our families to protect the future of our children. And finally, we have a duty to our fellow Americans, to understand what we are voting for.
Become an informed voter. Do your duty to read and listen carefully; know who and what is on your ballot. Check out candidate websites, and then read opposing views for a broader perspective. Seek out non-political, subject matter experts in the topics you care about and consider their counsel. Don't be afraid to wrestle out those controversial topics with friends, maybe you will learn something. Then, when Election Day comes, and you enter the voting booth you will not only know where the candidates stand, but what you think - and why.
Voting is more than a census or a survey of every American's favorite color or animal. Instead, it is an opportunity to stick a pin on a map of the future, pointing to where you want to go and who you will follow to get there.
In the end of all this political chaos remains a democracy; it is governed by the people, for the people. You are responsible for who leads this country. If you are unwilling or uninterested to responsibly participate in such a lofty duty, by all means, stay home. That is also your right.
1 Peter 2:13-16
Become an informed voter. Do your duty to read and listen carefully; know who and what is on your ballot. Check out candidate websites, and then read opposing views for a broader perspective. Seek out non-political, subject matter experts in the topics you care about and consider their counsel. Don't be afraid to wrestle out those controversial topics with friends, maybe you will learn something. Then, when Election Day comes, and you enter the voting booth you will not only know where the candidates stand, but what you think - and why.
Voting is more than a census or a survey of every American's favorite color or animal. Instead, it is an opportunity to stick a pin on a map of the future, pointing to where you want to go and who you will follow to get there.
In the end of all this political chaos remains a democracy; it is governed by the people, for the people. You are responsible for who leads this country. If you are unwilling or uninterested to responsibly participate in such a lofty duty, by all means, stay home. That is also your right.
1 Peter 2:13-16
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