American author and activist Alice Walker said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
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In light of the recent build up to the NSW state election at the end of March, the Tribune has been asking residents what they feel are the most important issues facing the Yass Valley and what they would look for in a representative.
Many people are under the guise that their one vote is insignificant.
The current pre-election campaigning brought me back to the 2013 Federal election, sitting around the family table with my brothers and sister some weeks after we had all voted, and we discussed who we voted for. My younger brother, who is a pacifist in many ways, stated that he had voted for the ‘Shooters Party' simply because they were at the top of the list. While we laughed, he said that it was his personal protest against the absurd political circus within the federal government.
This is known as a donkey vote. When a voter numbers every box on the ballot paper in order from top to bottom, without regard to the logic of the preferences.
So folks, why vote? It is a question I frequently hear from people who are negatively impacted by our country’s economy, whether by homelessness, unemployment, poverty, even lower to middle class wage earners.
Voting on behalf of what you believe is the best decision for your future and the future of your children, and is also a way to ensure security within our nation.
There are a handful of issues that are currently being focused on during this particular election that specific groups of people are raising a voice to address. If you care about privatisation of state assets, the care and protection of land and national parks, medicare and other health issues, the elderly, wealth distribution and taxation, the many immigration policies, roads and maintenance, and really any issue or policy concerning the daily functioning of our society, you need to vote.
This is the critical time to ask the questions of what you want from a leader or representative, and demand what they can do for you and your community.
So there really is no excuses - get out and vote on the March 28 election day. And, not just vote, but take the time to consider why you have chosen to select that lucky candidate to put your faith in. One of the most important factors to remember is what kind of community we live in and what kind of country we create.
Thank you democracy.