Advice for voters ahead of the midterms.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots in what could prove to be a very consequential midterm election, it’s important to remember that a well-informed electorate is a politician's worst enemy, and a leader's greatest ally. This proves consistent in every race from a city council to the presidency.
Whether out of fear of change, contentment with status quo, or pure laziness, voters often take the “safe” approach by simply selecting the incumbent without doing any homework. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that the electorate makes informed decisions.
Politicians count on constituents to take them solely at their word. Leaders encourage voters to research the candidate thoroughly; and to leverage reliable sources, educate themselves on the issues, investigate who is funding the candidate, and understand the limitations of the respective office.
Casting a vote based solely on the often-sensationalized information seen on television commercials, which are pumped out by partisan PACs and billionaire hacks, is just as reckless as the commercials themselves.
If you want to know where a candidate stands, look at their voting record and/or FEC filings, both of which are public records. Even newcomers to the political arena are required to file FEC reports and identify who is funding their campaign. When you review those filings, research the names, professions, and affiliations of the donors. Ask yourself: Do these individuals align with my values and politics? If not, odds are, no matter what lip service they pay, the candidate won't, either.
Politicians are generally self-serving gas bags. Their palms are permeated with grease, rendering them beholden to those who fork out the most money. They are slaves to power and to the powerful, indentured servants of the elite.
Leaders place service above self. Their compassion is contagious. Their sincerity speaks directly to one’s soul. Leaders are content and thrive in any position provided they make a tangible impact on the lives of those less fortunate than themselves. They are empathetic and inspiring. Leaders, by their example, stir in others the urge to do more, be more, and give more of oneself to others or to a cause greater than themselves. Leaders unite, not divide. There is positive energy in the air around a leader. Not a naive optimism, but a genuine vibration that signals as a beacon to our better angels. Leaders leave a legacy rather than an aftermath.
While it's imperative that the electorate understand the difference between a politician and a leader, there is likewise a portion of the population who does more harm than good: Single issue voters who often cast their ballots based on religious convictions. They are generally sheeple who make civic decisions based on “Church Voting Guides,” which are typically chock full of fear mongering, guilt, rage baiting, and self-righteousness. This voting bloc will most easily fall victim to smooth talking popinjays, charlatans, and reprobates who appeal to a constituent's emotions rather than their sense of logic.
A voting booth is a private, intimate space between you and the civic future you hope to experience. Your ballot is anonymous. Nobody but you will know which candidate received your vote. Neither partisan loyalty nor religious conviction should ultimately matter when you cast your ballot. What matters is that you are content with your decision. Politicians will attempt to gaslight you into believing myths of voter fraud. Leaders will assure you that elections are free, fair, and that your vote counts and is counted.
In the last few years, certain mainstream media personalities have admitted in courts of law that the information they broadcast is intended as entertainment, not to be confused as reliable or factual. In the days ahead, set aside some time to leverage reliable, reputable sources and carefully research the candidates.
We need constituents to start holding elected officials accountable. That starts at the ballot box. Do your homework and cast your vote accordingly.
