Think your one vote won’t make a difference? Here’s why you’re wrong

With the general elections creeping closer, political parties are increasing their calls for citizens to cast their votes. However, as with previous elections, some people are reluctant to vote.

They think that braving a long queue on Election Day to cast their vote won’t make a difference to the outcome of the elections – but how true is that notion?

Caxton Local Media is answering some of the country’s biggest questions ahead of the elections, and this is one of the more important ones: ‘Should I bother voting: Can an individual make a difference?’.

Experts say: Yes, your vote does matter. Here’s why.

Every vote counts

“I often hear potential voters, particularly young voters, say that voting is a waste of time or that their vote doesn’t count. This is a gross misunderstanding,” says Dr Heather Thuynsma, senior lecturer at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria.

“Every vote counts. Given the calculations used to determine a winner in South Africa’s proportional representation system, a voter who abstains from voting is essentially supporting the party that is currently in government. It is not a sign of dissatisfaction, as some believe.”

Prof Amanda Gouws, a distinguished professor of political science at Stellenbosch University, says not voting is a vote wasted.

“Every vote counts and you can use it to vote for any party. If you are unhappy with the ruling party, you can vote for another party. This is how democracies get rid of parties that govern badly.”

If you don’t vote, you can’t complain

Thuynsma says if you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain. “You have an opportunity to register your satisfaction or dissatisfaction every five years; now is that time!”

It’s your civic duty to vote

It’s a person’s civic responsibility to vote, says Thuynsma. Many people have sacrificed their lives to ensure that South Africans have the constitutional right to vote.

“It seems disrespectful not to honour their sacrifice. Physically showing up to vote, especially in 2024, is your opportunity to hold your government responsible for promises they have made and either fulfilled or left unfulfilled, depending on your perspective. Only by participating can you spark true social change.”

Information on the IEC’s website shows it supports this belief. “You may take your right to vote and all other rights in our Constitution for granted, but 25 years ago most of the people in our country were not allowed to vote. Many of them were arrested and jailed for demanding this most basic human right. Others were tortured and killed.

“Because of their sacrifice, today you can vote simply by presenting yourself at a voting station with your ID during a registration event that puts you on the voters’ roll for life, and lets you vote in every future general and by-election in your area.”

It’s your chance to change your world

If you don’t vote, you can’t influence politics, says Prof Pieter Duvenage, an independent political commentator.

“The fact is that sometimes one vote can play a huge role. It’s important to know that your specific vote, combined with other people who feel similar to you, can count together to allow a certain number of people to enter parliament. One must never think that your vote is not of importance,” he says.

According to the IEC, your vote can influence people’s quality of life. “You pay taxes (even when you buy just a loaf of bread), but do you know how that money is being spent? Most people don’t. Voting is your chance to choose how your taxes are spent – such as funding for social services, healthcare and schooling.”

You need to participate for our democracy to work

The IEC says a democracy can only work if people participate.

“That sounds obvious, but unless people actively participate in the process, democracy doesn’t work. It takes constant renewal among citizens to make democracy flourish.”