This election has been wild and honestly it still is with all the protests happening. The emphasis for casting your ballot was exceptionally urged with this election. As voting day was coming closer and closer I started to feel the pressure to vote. I was constantly being asked, “Why aren’t you voting?!” and then, “Are you kidding me?! People died for your right to vote!” Yes, that is undoubtedly true, but they also died for my right not to vote as well.
For example, the citizens of Argentina are forced to participate in voting. This concept isn’t terrible, but regardless, my freedom of choice is something I appreciate and exercise.
I chose not to vote because I did not follow this election. I did not have a clue what each of the candidates prospective plans were, “if they became president.” I didn’t listen to any speeches, and I didn't look into their policies. I’m not interested in our counties government and I know many people get frustrated when I say this.
Many people are very passionate about politics and stay up to date on every plan each candidate has for our country. I am most definitely not one of these people. This doesn’t make me a unpatriotic, it simply makes me an individual who is not interested in politics.
Another reason I chose not to vote is because I did not want to cast my ballot blindly. I would rather be interested and knowledgeable in the presidential candidates before making my decision.
Many people get angry with me for having this outlook on politics and sometimes I feel like I should have voted and invested my interest.
But then I remember: everyone has different interests, which result in a variety of opinions that you are entitled to. The United States is a country of choices, allowing various perspectives to bloom. My opinion may differ from yours, but that's what makes it uniquely my own.
Additionally, I was always advised to never talk about politics in a casual conversation. Along with religion, these two topics practically beg to be debated. Despite this, I still enjoy bringing these topics up for discussion. I am intrigued to hear the opinions of others, but I make sure to never voice my own. Sometimes I mention facts or statements in order to be included in the conversation. Other than that, I prefer to keep my personal feelings out of the discussion so that I do not get reprimanded for not voting or being involved in politics.
Honestly, it is uncomfortable being scolded and interrogated about my personal voting decision. I’m sure there are other people that are in the same boat, uninvolved and with no desire to be.
So, if you are like myself and you are not invested in the recent political events, don’t worry. We can possibly pay more attention in the future elections and hopefully avoid being scolded.
