The midterm elections are on Monday, May 13.
Unfortunately, I am a year short of being able to vote. However, I have been closely studying the electoral process since I was in Grade 6 and I can say that as early as that time, the entire field has interested me.
So as a non-voter at age 17, I want to offer my insights on what my peers can expect from this year’s elections.
Firstly, as I look at the candidates, some of them resort to unfair tactics to gain voters. Examples include the making of fake news in attempts to destroy the reputation of their opponents; creating fake surveys to further spike up their popularity and credibility; bashing their opponents on social media— which would potentially affect the perceptions of us, the youth; and, of course, the ever-infamous vote buying.
I believe a successful election will not be gauged on victorious candidates; rather, it shall be on whether the entire process was a clean and credible one.
The next point brings me back to Grade 10 Social Studies, where our curriculum was centered around different contemporary issues in our country, ranging from poverty, to education, to unemployment and many more.
Since my Grade 10 days, I have always believed that the mitigation of all these issues begins with elections. To my peers, ask anyone about the effects of great leadership on a group of workers. This is preached in every school; leadership trainings are held, at the least, annually. The same goes with the progress of our country. We may have numerous skilled individuals who are competent enough to make a difference, but we all need great captains to stir the ship in the right direction.
John C. Maxwell once said that “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” All that being said, voters must decide their votes based on the qualification and credibility of a candidate. They must consider the manner by which the candidate campaigns. If it seems as though the candidate resorts to using the aforementioned unfair tactics I listed, then voters can conclude that he/she may be a dishonest leader. Constituents may complain endlessly about the government, but at the end of the day, quoting from my grandfather, Oscar Tan Sr., “the results of the election are the voices of the people.”
These results are testaments to the kind of leaders our society wants to see.
Having incompetent and corrupt leaders is a cycle that will always start with elections. It is that single moment where the future of our country lies, in the hands of the voters.
To my peers who are not yet eligible to vote, let this be your guide when it is your time to vote.
Always be aware of social issues and try to come up with possible solutions. Always keep your eyes open for unjust campaigning methods. Make an effort to know the background and qualification of the candidates. A great amount of responsibility will be in your hands.
May this quote from Abraham Lincoln inspire you: “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”