MUDSLINGING is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “the use of personal attacks or insults in order to undermine an opponent.”

The election season in our country has always been described as a circus -- it is noisy, colorful, and full of stunts. It is a time where one politician tries to outshine another in a bid to gain the public’s vote.

However, it is also the time when most candidates would sling mud at one another. A tactic used by many petty politicians to ensure that they will still hold power.

It is all over the news and social media as politicians call each other names, accuse one another of corruption, and release scandals of their opposition, among many other tactics.

During the election campaign, we expect the candidates we are voting for to present and showcase their plans and programs when elected. It is good to note that many are doing this. Though we have to point out that many are like broken records that keep on repeating promises they gave before but continue to break until now.

But with politicians bickering at one another, voters are confused on who to vote for. With so many clashing statements, nobody knows which politician they can trust to lead them.

As voters, we should not be distracted by these mudslinging activities. We can do this by being smart voters -- those who do their research on the candidates that they are eyeing to cast their votes on.

Instead of immediately believing the accusations of candidates to one another, we should instead take it by a grain of salt. With the accessibility of the internet, one can do their research to better know their candidate.

Let us vote wisely these coming elections.