IN a society of democracy, the citizens are granted the power and obligation to vote for the leader that represents the majority. Shading on a piece of paper and dropping your ballot inside the box may seem like an easy task but behind it is a critical and intricate process that will decide the future of politics. There follows the fate of the country and the people.
In today’s generation where elections have been accompanied by the influence of modern media and other factors, is there a shift to the current attributes that a voter must possess to ensure that the one elected in a seat is the qualified one?
Here are the top qualities a good voter must possess:
Dutiful Citizen
To live in a democratic country is to first understand the responsibilities attached to democracy.
Once a person reaches the age of eighteen, they must undergo voter registration, fulfilling the requirements stated by the law. Without this process, individuals are not allowed to vote. Refusing to be registered is a total neglect as a citizen of the country.
But once registered as a voter, the person is obliged to be present on the day of the election. Whether stuck in long lines or enduring heat and rain, a voter must be patient and diligent in his duty. Also, following the regulations of the COMELEC and inside the voting precinct should be upheld.
Every vote is a game changer; to remain unregistered while being at the appropriate age and not participating in voting for unjustified reasons is a waste of votes.
Politically Engaged
With the waves of news and controversies in the country, one must be equipped with sufficient knowledge and awareness to cope and interact with the current political climate. Being politically engaged immersed individuals in the reality of the world.
With environmental issues, poverty, unemployment, corruption, marginalized conditions, and nonstop political issues existing, it is vital that a person has a firm opinion on different subjects that may or may not concern them not only for the sake of debate but as an obligation of a citizen.
Some may call this a “woke behaviour” attaching a negative connotation to the term. But in reality, to be branded as woke means that you actively participate in conversations relating to societal issues. It is better than to be called ignorant.
A politically aware individual has an intimate understanding of the issues that exist making it easier for them to identify what the society needs in a leader. Once a candidate presents themselves with their campaigns and agendas, one can easily weigh and evaluate their stance if they are perfect for the role. Whether it is a representative to protect the environment, eliminate poverty, or improve the overall system, an individual’s knowledge of politics helps build a progressive society.
Media Literate
Social media and the internet in general have been a home for millions of fake news; manipulation has become modernized. People without media literacy are utilized to the advantage of dirty candidates who rely on inaccurate reports and information to decorate their image in the hopes of gathering voters.
This kind of trap makes it an individual responsibility to be informed and move cautiously, especially on the Internet. Not everything you see is worthy of believing, but no one can fool those with the knowledge.
When one sees a Facebook post promoting a specific candidate who apparently provided a house for the people, gave money to the poor, or built this imaginary project, it would be wise to remain doubtful unless the information is proven legit. Rather than instantly consuming the information as it is, one should first ask the question, “Is this true?’
Especially with the rise of AI technologies today, photos and videos are easily manufactured. Most of these AI contents have realistic and believable features making it difficult for one to easily differentiate them. But with critical and analytical skills, one can learn to distinguish reality from fabrication.
Fake news is a fire that can spread in a blink of an eye. One person seeing the lies behind a post or content presented on social media cuts it from being fully distributed to the naive.
Research-driven
Research is essential not only in discovery but especially in the upcoming election. It is mentioned above how fake news has become rampant in modern society. The most useful method to counter it is through research.
When there is countless disinformation existing on the Internet, there are factual ones that could be obtained easily if someone is willing to dig deeply. It is easier nowadays to check the background of political candidates to help individuals assess their identities.
If these candidates hid hideous issues in the past like corruption, misconduct, and other legal cases, simple research could enlighten people on this important information. Research could also provide details for candidates who have made real contributions to the community as well as their educational attainment which serves as an important basis. This process can help voters pick and decide on a candidate with a clean and reputable background.
Every political candidate has their own cause. A voter should have an intimate knowledge of these. Understanding what they fight for could make it easier for voters to choose the candidate that reflects their morals and political stand.
But this activity requires deliberate action on the researcher’s behalf. It is important to take information that is trusted and credible not sticking in one site but researching further in different sources to ensure accuracy.
Meticulous and Discerning
If a person is picky about the way they dress every day, what makes a voter settle for low standards in a candidate?
During the election season, the streets are filled with the usual posters and catchy jingles that appeal to the voters. While entertaining, it is superficial to vote for a candidate for these specific reasons. The seat in a government is an important job that in turn affects the lives of millions; basically, it is not a job for everyone. That is why voters must pay attention to every detail before putting their minds on certain candidates.
Voting for someone because you recognize them as an actor in some films, their names sound familiar, or carrying the surname of a famous political family is an irresponsible way of voting. When those voters start to realize that elevating their standards in a candidate is more important than choosing the best angles to post on Instagram, those unqualified stop to get through government positions.
It may sound overused but a voter must consider the virtues of a candidate— honest, capable, reliable, righteous, and with no records of corruption.
Another thing is for Gen Z and first-time voters, there would be circumstances where peers and elder relatives would try to influence you to their beliefs. But before their opinions, you must form and follow your own standards. Voting is not a group activity.
To be particular is a right during the election; it is the time to demand a candidate who can and will do great once elected.
Open-mindedness
This comes after deciding the candidate to support. It is still beneficial to hear the opinions of others.
Welcoming arguments and debates about the election is a healthy way to expand perspective. Hearing feedback encourages one to double-check a candidate based on opposing views. There you could further evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen candidate as well as understand the attributes of the others. It could either lead to a change of heart or stick to your initial decision.
But opening your mind is different from blindly believing what the other has to say. There are valid concerns but there are also those derived from personal biases. This should be accompanied still with objectivity and deliberation.
Being open-minded also provides multiple choices in the election. There may have been other candidates who are not given enough attention because they are being overshadowed by the popular ones. But if you let your focus go from one candidate and explore different perspectives, you could find more who are as deserving if not more.
Nonfanatic
Political candidates are government workers and not the idols some people portray them to be. So are the voters, they are not fans but citizens.
One should not see the election as a popularity contest to carelessly vote for the candidate with only admiration as the primary reason. Being a fanatic can be dangerous especially if a voter is deaf to the valid points against their favored candidate. They tend to focus only on the good qualities rather than seeing the reality. Instead of using criticisms as a way to assess their chosen candidates and their decisions, they take offense instantly viewing it as a personal attack.
Putting a candidate on a pedestal eliminates the possibility of accountability for their actions. Some will use this admiration for easy manipulation and control. When people give politicians or candidates too much love and credit, it could possibly lead to complacency in their jobs— that failures and misconduct are accepted because they have cult-like support backing them.
A voter must offer criticisms and express their dislikes when necessary; good candidates would take this constructively.
Ethical and Integrity
During the election, there are political strategies that circulate to ensure the victory of one candidate. Aside from the usual campaigns, there are underground tactics that are employed.
There are instances where some would result in coercion and fear-mongering to pressure votes. This is where resistance becomes crucial. A vote is for the voter to defend and secure.
But mainly, one of the perennial issues in the country is vote buying and other forms of bribery. As many Filipinos would say, “Ibulsa ang pera, iboto ang kursunada!” Although there is a point on the sentiment of accepting the money to vote but still going firm for your chosen candidate since every vote is private; this reflects a society that becomes accustomed to this kind of scenario.
Faced with this situation, especially with individuals living in poverty, they are vulnerable to the temptation of bribery. If people continue to open their hands, this dirty legacy will last and repeat. In actuality, the amount they handed to people is ten times the amount they could take once elected.
Vote buying not only tests one’s morals but also stamps on the honor of a voter. It reflects the way a candidate sees the public. But voting is a duty of integrity. No matter how satisfying the fresh smell of cash is, the gratifying feeling of living with principles remains unparalleled.
Why vote?
More than the rights and obligations of a citizen, the future of the country lies in the way people vote. A good voter yields a great leader; irresponsible voting forsakes a country. That is why it is essential to internalize and incorporate these noted qualities in the upcoming election.
And maybe with a little bit of hope, the majority will elect a leader that represents good governance along with the millions of Filipinos.
