IF you are sick, tired and exasperated with the current political climate, concerned about where the country is heading to with the kind of leadership we have in the national and state government, worried about the kind of nation and planet we are passing on to our children and grandchildren, then VOTE in the November 6 midterm elections.
You may have been debating with people whose politics you disagree with, criticizing the past and present administrations, posting your commentaries on social media, but if you do not go out and vote on November 6, then you just gave leaders and organizations a gift that will keep on giving — their victory in the midterm elections just because you did not translate your passion to actual voting that can determine your future and those of the succeeding generations.
Do not let the negativity and toxicity of today’s civic discourse and way of governance paralyze you, instead build up on that energy and mobilize your family, friends and community to exercise their right and obligation to vote, something that the previous generations had to fight and die for just so we can be free to chart the path of where this democratic nation should take. Do not take this for granted.
Aside from voting and making others exercise their right of suffrage, you can volunteer to make sure nobody gets disenfranchised in the election. You can be vigilant in monitoring the election process to guard the sanctity of the vote you just casted. Do not take this for granted.
You may even earn money if you apply and be hired as “Vote Center Representatives”.
There are counties that pay around $18 per hour. Election Materials Couriers and support staff will earn around $65 to $180 in stipends. Contact your county Registration and Elections Division if this would still be available. If not, consider it your civic duty to be vigilant in your monitoring anyway and use social media to do your report.
If you are challenged by the English language and feel you can fully understand the issues and the election procedures, then you can contact your county for help. Bago sumapit ang October 31, 2018, maaari kayong humingi ng balota na nasalin sa wikang Filipino.
Do NOT wait for the last minute. Vote early if you have that option in your county. Send your ballots by mail ahead of time.
“Bullet day I will giant you!” Filipinos love to say as a funny translation of “Balang araw paghihigantihan kita!”
But come to think of it— your vote is your tool of vindication. Your vote is your instrument to make things right. Your vote is your statement of the character of this nation and your “say” in where this country should be going.
Honor the sanctity of your vote. Use it. And use it wisely and conscientiously. Think not only of your self but of your children and grandchildren. Your vote now will shape their tomorrow.
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
