Understanding Elections and Civic Responsibilities

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As a citizen in a democracy, you also have the responsibility to be informed. So take time to educate yourself before you go to the polls. Learn how to register to vote, and make sure you register before the deadline. Know the date of the election. Know your assigned polling station. Know the required documentation you need to bring to your polling station. And know the candidates and issues. Inform yourself by watching candidate debates, attending political events, and following news about the issues and candidates in the local newspaper, radio or television.

Elections can be an important entry point to allow you and your fellow citizens to influence politics in your country. Improvements in the quality of your life can happen when you are able to exercise sufficient power to influence your government.

Voting is important, but Election Day is only one day. The periods before and after an election are also opportunities for you to advocate for issues that you care about. Before an election, candidates looking to attract votes are often willing to learn more about issues of importance to their constituents. During this period, ask candidates to make a promise, known as a campaign pledge, to pursue a certain policy when they get elected. After an election, hold your representatives accountable for following through on these promises.

The right to vote is inseparable from the right to participate in public life. Through voting, you can choose the candidate who will work on the issues you care most about. Voting helps steer policies that affect both the future direction of your country and your daily life. For example, if youth unemployment is an issue that is important to you, you would want to vote for a candidate who has the best plan to create jobs or fund training programs aimed at youth.

During an electoral period, you have a certain set of rights and responsibilities that are true for all free and fair elections. First, you have the right to support or campaign on behalf of any candidate. Second, to vote freely for any candidate or measure of your choosing, and third, to have your vote kept confidential.

As a citizen in a democracy, you also have the responsibility to be informed. So take time to educate yourself before you go to the polls. Learn how to register to vote, and make sure you register before the deadline. Know the date of the election. Know your assigned polling station. Know the required documentation you need to bring to your polling station. And know the candidates and issues. Inform yourself by watching candidate debates, attending political events, and following news about the issues and candidates in the local newspaper, radio or television.