Voting in a democracy is different from "voting" in virtual dictatorships. The right to vote is meaningless if you do not vote. If you do not vote, you may as well live in a dictatorship. In a country where a majority of its citizens do not vote, only the will of the people who do vote is represented. Over time, this results in government, although elected, which becomes dictatorial.
Not too many years ago, some states excluded certain classes of people from voting by charging a "poll tax" in order to vote. Naturally, those who could or would not pay were disenfranchised. I see voting as an obligation to ensure that those governing are responsive to all the people. If you do not vote you are not represented in any way and have no right to complain.
I propose the opposite of a tax to vote, that is, you should be taxed if you do not vote. It's something like not showing up for work and being "docked" for the day. When thousands of non-citizens are voting without authorization and citizens are not voting, it is possible, even now, for foreign voters to select and elect government officials and "take over" cities and possibly even states.
If you do not see voting as a duty to protect your freedom, you don't deserve it. While others risk their lives to protect it, non-voting citizens can't even be bothered to inform themselves and exercise their judgement in selecting the best leaders possible. Copping out by declaring "it makes no difference" is stupid because it would make a difference if everyone voted. Sometimes, even one vote can make a difference. Statistically, the more voters, the lower the odds that we will make a mistake.
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Not too many years ago, some states excluded certain classes of people from voting by charging a "poll tax" in order to vote. Naturally, those who could or would not pay were disenfranchised. I see voting as an obligation to ensure that those governing are responsive to all the people. If you do not vote you are not represented in any way and have no right to complain.
I propose the opposite of a tax to vote, that is, you should be taxed if you do not vote. It's something like not showing up for work and being "docked" for the day. When thousands of non-citizens are voting without authorization and citizens are not voting, it is possible, even now, for foreign voters to select and elect government officials and "take over" cities and possibly even states.
If you do not see voting as a duty to protect your freedom, you don't deserve it. While others risk their lives to protect it, non-voting citizens can't even be bothered to inform themselves and exercise their judgement in selecting the best leaders possible. Copping out by declaring "it makes no difference" is stupid because it would make a difference if everyone voted. Sometimes, even one vote can make a difference. Statistically, the more voters, the lower the odds that we will make a mistake.
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
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