I did not vote on Election Day. I am proud of my decision. Many people have either been criticizing my decision of not voting in this past election or have been wondering what my rationale is for “doing nothing.”
Firstly, I did not like any candidates on the ballot. That should be reason enough not to vote. Many will suggest that I vote for the lesser of two evils, but in this election, I did not even believe there to be a lesser of two evils available. Others suggested that I “voice my opinion” by writing in a candidate. Unfortunately, no write-in candidate had a realistic show at winning or upsetting an election. It would have been inconvenient to register in West Chester only to voice my opinion, when I can and have voiced my opinion through more convenient and accessible outlets. For example, I reach more people through Facebook, Twitter, and this very Quad article than I do through writing in a candidate.
Secondly, many argue, “If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain.” Aside from the fact that I, as a human being, always have the right to speak my mind, George Carlin put it best when he said, “If you vote, and you elect dishonest, incompetent politicians, and they get into office and screw everything up, you are responsible for what they have done. You voted them in. You caused the problem. You have no right to complain. I, on the other hand, who did not vote — who did not even leave the house on Election Day — am in no way responsible for what these politicians have done, and have every right to complain about the mess that you created.”
Thirdly, my vote will not have an effect on the election outcome. My vote, even in local elections, is so statistically unlikely to change the election outcome, that my vote is meaningless for all intents and purposes. Thus, to say, “Your vote matters, Tom,” is like saying that whether or not I ate at McDonald’s on Tuesday “matters” this election season. Both have no statistical impact on election results.
Fourthly, many argue, “What does not voting accomplish?” Simple: 1) I keep my integrity knowing that I in no way showed support for politicians who I do not want in office. 2) I can hope I made a statement to those around me that, if one considers the candidates to be mediocre, we should not support mediocrity. 3) I saved gas by not driving to the polls, hence slowing the progression of global climate change.
If you really believe that candidates up for election will be be good for the area under their jurisdiction, vote. Do whatever your heart desires. Just keep in mind that your individual vote will never change an election outcome. Also, do not tell me that I am doing something wrong by not voting. Thank you.
Tom Mandracchia is a fourth-year student who is the vice president of Students of Liberty. She can be reached at TM760425@wcupa.edu.