HOW TO VOTE: Observe, Listen, Discern, Live Out

I came across a quote not so long ago, "What does a piece of paper have to do with my future?"

Normally, we students associate this quote with tests, exams, written submissions, but in a way, there is one piece of paper that indeed has a big weight on the future. That is the paper we receive after we register as voters: a Voter Registration Receipt.

Many people opt to throw receipts away after receiving them (especially after buying foods and other things), but this one is worth keeping, because it gave me an epiphany on what is going on in this country.

Last February, I registered to be a voter in my beloved city. Although I haven't took much pictures at the site, it really struck me to see many young men and women filing themselves to register to vote. When I received this paper, i still remember that my thumbs still had stamp ink (I was so conscious in NOT getting it dirty). However, I also remembered that somewhere in the Philippines, a fellow young Filipino is confused on his or her duty to serve his or her country. However, as members of the youth, we should not forget something: this country needs us, and this nation needs our vote.

We are approaching the 2022 Elections fast-paced. Campaign and Personality posters already start to fill up the streets. Facebook ads on our public servants are also starting to pop up. Even if these things are happening, it is important not to go astray to what this season means for us all: it is a call for us to choose what is the best for our community and country.

And so, my fellow young voters. When the time comes when we have to fill up our ballots, let us remember:

OBSERVE what is around you. Observe the problems that our communities and Nation is facing. Observe what needs to change.

LISTEN to those around you. Many have different political views however, that does not mean we have to set them aside because their views differ from ours. Elections are supposed to unite people, not Divide. Let their views influence you on what this nation needs. Allow these thoughts and perceptions to be anchored in your head to think of what needs to be done.

DISCERN what needs to be done and who is the best man or woman for the job. Don't let political color, ideal, or mere passion be the sole factor of making a political decision such as voting. Discernment also asks you to see what is best for everyone. Decide on how we can contribute to a better society and a better country, all starting with our vote... yes it all starts but never ends with just our vote.

LIVE OUT your ideals and the things you fight for. Many of us want change in our communities, but change is a two-way street. We have a contribution to make in our society. Our leaders need our help in building our country. We need to live out what we are voting for. We never vote for politicians but we vote for ideas and visions; ideas and visions for our society. Picture a society where you want to live in, where everyone is happy, where no one is discriminated, where the poor are enriched, and where justice prevails. You have a role to play to build that society. It was your job the moment when you were born as a son and as a daughter of this nation.

We cannot have good governance if we don't have active, purposeful, and compassionate citizenship.

Let us do our part starting with our vote... then, let's build this country together one step at a time. Let's leave this world and country a better place than when we first found it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ken Boltiador is the National Director of LIGTAS Philippines. To learn more about the author, check out his profile at The Director's Corner.