It’s time to make your vote count
I have made my mark in every election since I turned 18, and this year, on November 1, it will be no different.
I am sure that, during the past few weeks, a lot of us have noticed a flurry of activity in our neighbourhoods, with grass being cut, potholes being filled, municipal bill issues being addressed and much more. You might also have noticed that your complaints/ queries/ questions to your ward councillor have been attended to much faster that usual.
Yes, this is because it is almost local government elections time, and you have something very valuable that every politician wants – your vote! In an attempt to secure this, a lot of promises are being made, ranging from new houses and job opportunities to the resolution of high municipal bills and the building of new schools.
You would be forgiven if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused, or even unsure as to who your vote should be going to amid all of these pretty pictures and lofty promises. I am sure you would not even be judged if you are a bit scared to go to the voting stations because the length of the ballot paper and sheer number of political parties vying for your vote, might just keep you there for much longer than you planned!
We, as voters, are being bombarded with and buried under a ton of information from political parties, ward councillor candidates and mayoral candidates. I am sure that many of you are, just like me, very unsure about who will be getting your vote. The whole process is feeling very rushed, and, because of the global Covid-19 pandemic, many of us might just be a tad more hesitant than usual.
I have made my mark in every election since I turned 18, and this year, on November 1, it will be no different. I believe that the ability to cast your vote in an election is a privilege, but also your democratic right. If you forfeit this opportunity, you make a mockery of those who fought very hard to ensure we can take part in the democratic process of our country.
I also believe that every vote does count; in this case, yours might just be that one needed to help a ward councillor to represent you, the ratepayer, and address those all-important municipal issues. Your vote might also just be that one needed to help turn your municipality around.
So, join me on Election Day and make your mark to make a difference, because, if you don’t vote, you can’t complain.
Until next week, stay safe and look out for each other …
