The current chief executive of the Philippines has finally delivered his last State of the Nation Address on Monday without tackling much on topics people want to hear of. Having so many varying thoughts sparked discussions and debates. Why is the election important and why do we have to vote? The answer's simple. The election is important because that is where we can demand people to answer the questions we ask and talk about the conversations we want to hear of. And voting makes that demand reverberate around.
There are varying opinions on what is deemed right or wrong in the country and what is acceptable or not. After all, we are a democratic country. It is thus a free nation. But here are the types of voters you should not be in order to be a responsible citizen of this free country, without taking for granted its feature of being a nation of the people, for the people, and by the people.
The Close-minded Voter
How can we not be a bobong voter? Empathize. Educating can't only be the solution in letting people see the perspectives that they should've been considering in the first place. So instead, empathize and transcend through societal norms and generational expectations.
The desperate voters
How can we not be a desperate voter? Or how can we help people to not be a desperate voter? For one, know better. When people practice vote-buying, you can just take the money and not vote for them. Instead, you can vote for the politicians you truly believe in. That's easy. Another would be to give politicians the benefit of the doubt. Receiving money from them during the elections doesn't guarantee help once they're elected as most of them are doing it to get what they want, not give you what you need.
The voter with the "sayang boto" mindset.
How can you not be a voter with this mindset? Realize that every vote counts. It is your decision that dictates the kind of society you will live in for the next six, long years. Make it a society that nurtures growth and accepts differences. Make it known that you contributed to being on the right side of history.
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There are instances where the only difference between a politician to another is one mere vote. Make that one vote be yours and have it dictate what is better and what should be, not what should've been.
VOTE WISELY and let your voices be amplified.
━━ Art By Angela Asino
