In: Economics
How important for you as a voter to exercise your right of suffrage?
It is very important to a voter to excercise the right of Suffrage. Reasons-
suffrage is a thing which ought not to be imposed, under any government; and that the effect of compulsion would be small, and rather against than favorable to good government. The suffrage - its protection and the manner of its exercise - is particularly inviting for such suggestions, since it is everywhere the subject of laws, constitutional or statutory; to improve the suffrage by making it more truly representative.
The first is the firm establishment of the merit system in the public service under the national government, which has been effected, not by administrators wishing to improve their office, but rather by the enlightened insistence of private citizens, acting on Congress.
The second, which has had much more aid from men in political life, has restored the lost secret ballot to most of the states.So aroused are the people by these two great achievements, that any reasonable suggestion of improvement in political methods finds a hearing.
Schemes of minority representation, of election of senators or presidential electors by direct vote, of further limitation on legislatures - spring up everywhere.
Government in the United States, it is alleged, is a government of the minority: the minority of the voters elect the candidates; and a very small minority of this successful minority designate the candidates.
More recently, Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016 by securing a close Electoral College win. Although the election did not come down to a handful of votes in one state, Trump’s votes in the Electoral College decided a tight race. Clinton had won the national popular vote by nearly three million votes, but the concentration of Trump voters in key districts in “swing” states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan helped seal enough electoral votes to win the presidency.Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights.