The value of a vote

D-day is two days away. A lot of us are in disbelief. The air of anxiety looms about as we face yet another instance of uncertainty that will determine our country’s future – at least for the next six years, that is. I write this piece to urge all of you who are registered to go out, and please do not forget to cast your vote this coming Monday. I am not here to tell you who to vote for because I respect your personal choice and political preference. This is an instance of equality – an opportunity for everyone’s voices to be heard at an equal platform. I am entitled to one vote, one ballot, one chance and so are you. This is an instance where there is certainly no power or privilege – as voters, we are all equal.

And so, as the cliché saying goes, does every vote really count? Amidst millions of others, will my one vote really make a difference? My answer is yes! Your vote does count, and your vote truly matters. First and foremost, it matters to yourself. In the next six years, you will be able to proudly say that you took a stand for the Philippines, and you made a choice. Whether or not your choices make it, however in my opinion, is irrelevant to the value of a vote – the true value of a vote lies in the fact that you are still invested in the country; in our people. That you still care about making a difference, and being a part of progress. With every vote comes the notion of optimism – yet another chance at community members still hopeful at seeing betterment. With every vote, you are enacting and “being the change you want to see in this world” (Gandhi).

Oftentimes, we are preoccupied and caught up in seeing the value of a vote in its numerical aspect. After all, winning is the power it gives the victors. But let us not forget that it in fact is so much more than that. After all, just because the leaders you elect did not all win, it does not mean that your vote holds no value. We live in a country that is a democracy. A democracy that did not come easy, that those before us fought so very hard for. It is a government that gives us, the people, the freedom of choice to decide, and the liberty to let our voices be heard. But with that privilege, comes the responsibility to act as respectful citizens. The mud slinging, the bashing, the name calling – all the negativity has become inevitable in times of election, and with the presence of social media, has seemingly become even infinitely more toxic. We all have that one family member, or those friends who are not choosing to vote in the way that we are. And that is okay. As members of a democracy, we must constantly remind ourselves that regardless of our vote, we must accept whoever the majority of the people choose. And at the end of the day, for as long as we let our voices be heard – some louder than others, that is for sure – and we did our share by casting our vote, we did all that we could to be a part of progress and change. Respect does not mean joining in the bandwagon your

As members of a democracy, we must constantly remind ourselves that regardless of our vote, we must accept whoever the majority of the people choose.

friends are in, nor does it mean changing your preference because others are convincing you to do so. Respect simply means making your choice without condemning anyone else – opposing voices, other candidates – and their decisions. It means listening to the side of others, or perhaps simply keeping quiet instead of belittling their opinions. The respect you show and give will long be remembered after the elections are over.

Never forget that the truest value of a vote lies in the very essence that we can make a choice. That the government recognizes our voices, and desires to be heard. That we are but equal stakeholders and investors in the future of our beloved Philippines. It is an opportunity that only comes periodically – let us make the most of it!