What We Tend to Forget When Voting

Are you tired of campaigns, debates, and media coverage? I am, but it’s a necessary evil. Were you taught not to discuss politics? Yep, me too. However, we shouldn’t ignore the cries for change ringing out from both parties. Seems everyone agrees our country is in a mess, yet solutions vary widely.

Voting is the main solution remaining in our control. Local primaries have passed, so no fear of reading any endorsements from me here today. However, I do take my responsibility as a voter seriously. It was a blood-bought freedom.

I’d like to glance at how people usually choose their candidates at the ballot box, share some things to consider, and what every voter should pay attention to.

Reasons to Choose a Candidate Selected:

1. I vote for the party I belong to, regardless of their platform or records
2.  I vote for who my friend, family, or a trusted influence votes for
3. I vote for the same candidate a group I belong to votes for (ethnic, unions, vets, religion, or age)
4. I vote only after making an informed decision from listening to debates, checking records, and listening to commercials and media presentations
5. I am a liberal, moderate, or conservative, and vote accordingly
6. I vote based on the issue that is most important to me. (i.e. – jobs, immigration, foreign policy, homeland security, defense, education, morality, or social security)
7. I vote based on name recognition only
8. I’m anti-establishment so will vote for anyone who has never ran before
9. I vote for the one who gives the most convincing speech.

Did you see yourself when reading this list? There are a wide-range of things to consider when voting. You might even use a combination.

Just for fun, have you ever thought about our voting criteria? Age, that’s it. Not our income, education, position, group, or IQ. No training is required. No classes. Of course, we’re all so smart from taking American Government class in high school. We all know where to obtain voting records, the difference between a democracy and republic, what amount of delegates are needed in both parties, and how they’re chosen, right?

I’m raising questions in hopes to get us to thinking a little harder. . .to dig a little deeper. Part of my adult life, I’ve not taken voting seriously, but I’m now seeing things never seen before.

Here’s what we tend to forget:

• To gain votes, all candidates tend to tell you what you want to hear over what they really stand for
• It’s not a personality contest. Personality doesn’t reflect or support their abilities or views
• Candidates pretend to be enemies in front of the camera, but are often friends and co-workers offering deals behind the scenes.
• Candidates are marketers/advertisers. They will slant the truth or leave parts out altogether, in order to persuade.
• We’re electing a leader – the Commander-in-Chief who will be making decisions about OUR lives

Would you hire any of them if you were a boss? Would you want any of them to be your boss at work?

Leadership Qualities:

• Good character
• Knows what they believe; takes a stand
• Gets along with others, but does right instead of trying to make them happy
• Persuades through reason; not through threats, bullying, name-calling, or childish antics
• Treats people with respect
• Apologizes when wrong

Remember to:

• Consider their voting record, if possible
• Observe how they handle pressure, if they change their positions, and if they offer explanations or rehearsed responses
• Hold Senators and the Congress to these standards
• Exercise your right to vote
• Consider thinking of what’s right FOR America, instead of what’s just right for you or your pocketbook only
• Pray for guidance if you’re a Christian

Whoever is elected will be making choices not only affecting us, but our children and grandchildren. Now is our chance to leave a country for them to be proud of. What do you think we tend to forget the most about electing our leaders? Feel free to share below.

Feel free to read more thought-provoking posts while you’re here, too. And, I always appreciate you’re sharing my thoughts with your friends when you enjoy them. Thanks. I am so honored for you to share your time with me.

© 2016, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.