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By Chris A. Quilpa
Your Turn

In a democratic society such as ours, elections (or voting) are held and necessary to continue the course (and time-honored tradition of our state or country) of maintaining the affairs of the government of, for, and by the people. Transfer or succession of power is observed in order to prevent or avoid autocracy and authoritarianism, dictatorship and corruption in government. 

It is important to be well-informed to choose wisely, or to reelect, our candidates, representatives, or leaders who serve and represent us. Protect and defend our Constitution, the supreme law of the land that embodies the Bill of Rights guaranteeing our basic human rights (to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, free speech, press, assembly, exercise of religion, education, suffrage)).

Critical and necessary in a democracy is suffrage or the right to vote. Suffrage is an essential principle in democracy that gives citizens a voice, through their votes—to elect their leaders who represent them and are accountable to them, and make laws for all to follow and observe.    

Early in-person voting in Virginia already began Friday, Sept. 20, for the Nov. 5 general election. 

Your vote matters because it’s your voice. You have a say in choosing or selecting the best or most qualified candidates, aspirants to public service, who will represent you, fight for your rights (to life, liberty, and equality, and justice), lead and serve you, your city, state, country for the better. 

Why is voting important? As concerned citizens of this country that values democracy, freedom and liberty, and upholds the rule of law, you are the deciding factor in the future of this great country, the United States of America. 

If you are eligible but failed to register and vote, or decided not to vote for whatever reason/s, blame no one or don’t complain about why your life, city, state, and country didn’t get better. If your newly-elected leaders didn’t do well in meeting your needs and expectations. 

Voting is a basic, fundamental human right and duty for all of us, Americans. It is our responsibility as well as our obligation to (s)elect the most competent and effective public servants into their respective positions or offices. These chosen public servants, we believe, will look after our people’s welfare, or work in the best interest of all-an economy (local, state, national) that is growing and prospering for everyone. A better public education and health, infrastructure, well-trained and professional local law enforcement officers/officials, competent and effective fighting military forces that defend and protect the Constitution and our country’s interests and her allies.

Voting is important because it is a civic (and sacred) duty for all who cherish and love freedom and democracy that not all countries in the world enjoy. Voting on Election Day empowers us to put into office those we believe will help solve pressing problems besetting our city, state, country, our world. It gives us the power to (s)elect the best candidates/representatives of our choice or to remove those incompetent, ineffective, and corrupt politicians who have no business being in government (local and national).

Voting decides or determines who will run the course of and manage our government effectively and efficiently. If we fail to or don’t vote, we miss the opportunity to express or exercise our basic, fundamental right (and freedom) of suffrage or to choose as human beings. Voting enables voters to advocate for changes and reforms needed in a civilized and democratic environment or country such as ours, the United States. It can be an agent of change or a voice for those who are voiceless or who can’t vote…

Voting impacts or makes a difference in our daily life and our country’s future, i.e., how our revenue and taxes are spent, our relationship with other countries regarding our foreign policies, etc.

Real change in our life, community and government is seen or achieved by actively participating during elections, that is, by casting your vote. Your future and that of your generations’ and your country’s is in your hands, with your vote.

CHRIS A. QUILPA, a retired U.S. Navy (Hospital Corpsman) veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.