Voting is not only a right; it’s a privilege. While in some quarters the government basically tries to bribe people to vote (by entering voters into state-sponsored lotteries, for example), I believe we need to limit the vote to those who have made the effort to be informed. This is a democracy. Only citizens who take their duties seriously should participate.
So please don’t vote if:
– you haven’t looked into the character and platforms of the candidates;
– you don’t know who your congressman and senators are;
– you can’t succinctly describe our system of government at the local, state, and national levels;
– you are easily swayed by slogans and naked appeals to emotion;
– you expect the government to provide and care for you;
– you don’t have a job and pay taxes;
– you have no discernible political philosophy;
– you simply follow the orders of someone who is more informed;
– you support a candidate only because of his or her race or disability;
– you can’t figure out the ballot;
– you take political attack ads at face value.
There’s nothing virtuous in casting an ignorant vote.
