Why vote even when disillusioned: a Kurzemnieks opinion piece
In an opinion piece for the Latvian regional outlet Kurzemnieks, the author explains why taking part in elections matters to her. She argues that an unused vote leaves the decision to others.
The Kurzemnieks.lv news site, which covers the Kurzeme region of Latvia, has published a personal opinion essay on why it is worth voting even when a person is disappointed with politics. It is the author's subjective view rather than a news report.
The author acknowledges that some people are simply not interested in politics, and says this has nothing to do with education or intelligence. She has no professional ties to politics but has followed it since secondary school. Her first big disappointment came when she was a supporter of the People's Party and admired Andris Šķēle's speaking skills. News of his marriage to a political opponent ended her sympathy.
She compares politics to a game in which words replace the ball, the country is the pitch, and the players are people with ambitions and interests. Everyone else sits in the stands, though they can occasionally step onto the pitch themselves.
Voting as taking part in the system
The author says she has always voted, following her convictions at the time, even when the choice later proved unsuccessful. In her view, the political system is made up of people just like everyone else, with their mistakes and weaknesses, so the ability to influence it begins with participation rather than standing aside.
She understands those who are tired of promises and scandals, but believes that refusing to vote is not a way to punish those who let people down. In her opinion, it lets others make the decision in the non-voter's place.
She concludes that there are no ideal candidates, but there is a choice, and an unused vote is filled by someone else's.
