I get that many will criticize me for my view on this. But I stand my ground in saying, “No, I don’t have to vote in the upcoming election.” You can quote me on that. But telling me on Facebook that by not voting I’m somehow magically distorted into a terrible American will not help your position either. I get that some will say I’m not “exercising my right to vote and therefore have no right to complain.” Fine, I have no problem with that. And you know why? Because I’m not going to complain.
But here is what I am going to do. I’m going to keep my mouth shut because I don’t believe in or agree with a damn thing happening in politics today and I’m not sorry. I will not vote for someone just because he or she is the “lesser of two evils” as I have heard from so many people. The words even came out of my mouth a time or two when I still fell into the whole idea of voting whether or not I agree with a candidate. I won’t support a person who I do not agree with, especially in the areas where I am extremely passionate. Education. Mental health. Small business. Healthcare.
I’m not going to support anyone in this election. I have done my research…you know, the real kind. The kind the media typically doesn’t show. No, I don’t owe you or anyone else an explanation as to why I came to the conclusion I have. I know my passions and I know my truth. I am not writing this to tell you to not vote. I believe in the right to vote, but I also believe in the right to not vote if a person wholeheartedly disagrees with every candidate and everything happening in politics today. This isn’t only about candidates for me, this is about corruption as a whole. This is about a flawed system.
I get that yes, someone will be president. And when that time comes, I’ll treat him or her with the same respect I’ve treated every other president. I stand during the National Anthem. I listen when the President speaks. I recognize the difficult job any president has to do and I wouldn’t want it, so I’ll be respectful. Remember, we don’t have to agree to be respectful. Arguing respectfully is one of my favorite pastimes (and strongest traits I might add). I will respect that my fellow Americans voted whomever into office and I’ll deal with the repercussions just like every other American. I’m proud to live where I do, work where I do, have the family I have, and have the freedoms I have.
One of my freedoms includes my “right” to vote. It’s not a “requirement.” And I just can’t bring myself to do it.
Photo credit: Theresa Thompson via Visualhunt / CC BY