THE FAMILIAR hustle and bustle of the campaign period filled the air last week. Posters and tarpaulins decorated roadsides and candidates with megaphones dominated the air with their voices.
Despite all these, however, the turnout of voters was a little less than anticipated. Even I admit that I nearly forfeited my vote simply because I didnāt know who these guys were.
Even the teachers who were counting the votes couldn’t help but notice that very few were voting. The day after the election, you could barely see anyone with indelible ink on their fingers.
It is sad how we sometimes take our right of suffrage for granted. We invoke the most trivial reasons like itās too hotā¦there arenāt any worthy candidatesā¦there are too many people ā to avoid the responsibilities of a citizen of a democratic country.
We forget everything our forefathers did for us to be able to write in that ballot without the fear of being screamed at or sent to the garrote.
Our heroes in the past made many sacrifices and suffered greatly for our independence. Finally, on June 12, 1898 we considered ourselves free. We were taught how to govern ourselves and the different rights that come with being a democratic country. One of those rights is the right to vote.
So next time letās avoid the lame excuses. You donāt know who the candidates are? Then find out, do your own research.
You find it hot and crowded? Bring lots of water and wear lights clothes.
One vote can make a significant difference even in the smallest barangay election. Remember, the discomfort and āhardshipsā you pass when you vote are nothing compared to what our heroes faced in order for us to reach here. (angelica.panaynews@gmail.com/PN)
