Why You Need to Register as a Voter Essay

Voting is perhaps the most important cornerstone of democracy. However, very few people understand why it is essential to participate in the process. Many view voting as a norm which does not influence their daily lives. Many are the times that we have heard people use phrases like "politics aren't my thing" and "I avoid politics" every time an elections topic arises. Those who hold this opinion believe that because the nation's policies disinterest them, then they shouldn't participate in the electoral process. Others argue that it is too late to register as a voter. However, this assertion is faulty, on the contrary every time before elections are held in a state or country, voters are given up to thirty days before the election to register. Here are some of the reasons why one should register as a voter.

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To begin with, voter registration is the right of every citizen to participate in the affairs of the state or country's government. The most fundamental form of participation in government is voting in a free and fair election. Therefore for citizens to exercise this right, there must be a comprehensive and inclusive electoral register which is maintained carefully to ensure that all eligible citizens are registered to vote. Voters will not only be able to select their representatives in government through voting but also are provided with the ability to decide on measures like bond issues that allow any government to borrow either internally or externally for development problems. Participation in the electoral process, i.e., naming their representatives is empowerment for the people to take action and become an active member of the society. According to Chadwick (2017), the power of voting is the power to change. Registering as a voter and participating in the voting process ensure that citizens make a mark in history. Citizens who register and participate in the electoral process do not only get a chance to have a say in the government affairs.

On the other hand, registering as a voter and consequently participating in the voting process can be considered as investing in the future. The primary objective of any government is to draft and implement various policies for the betterment of its citizens. Drafting of these policies is conducted by policy-makers who are voted by citizens to these positions. Enforcement of these policies affects directly or indirectly on the daily lives of the citizens. Therefore, the choice of the various representatives in government ensures that a citizen plans for their future.

Lastly, registering as a voter is a hard-earned privilege. Democracy is a right that has been earned through the hardships suffered by our founding fathers. Therefore participation in the electoral process is a right that marks democracy thus should be cherished not discarded (Lafleur & Sanchez-Dominguez, 2015). The failure to participate in the process would mean that one does not value the sacrifices by those who fought the oppression of the past aristocratic and dictatorial regimes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, participating in voting is a fundamental process which every eligible citizen should participate. Though not everybody will realize or understand the significance of voter registration, it is important to inform individuals on their voting rights, the importance of participating in the process as well as the privileges. Through voter education, more people will understand the importance of registering as a voter.

References

Chadwick, A. (2017). The hybrid media system: Politics and power. Oxford University Press.

Lafleur, J. M., & Sanchez-Dominguez, M. (2015). The political choices of emigrants voting in home country elections: A socio-political analysis of the electoral behaviour of Bolivian external voters. Migration Studies, 3(2), 155-181.