Why I Chose To Withhold My Vote

By Julian Castillo

This is the first election season where I am eligible to vote. As a new member of the political process, the more I thought about voting, the more excited I became. 

I had it all planned out. I submitted my voting registration and my parents even forwarded my ballot to me. It was just sitting on my desk, waiting for me to come over and fulfill my voting duties. 

And I hadn't touched it. I had no clue what I was voting for.

At first, I thought to myself, "Oh, gosh! I know who I am going to vote for!" But when it came time to physically fill out the balot, I realized I had overestimated myself.

I will be honest, I know for sure who I wanted for my president. But when it comes to any legislators, I was woefully ignorant. I was blissfully uninformed on all propositions, any stances from my state or local legislator and policy that either President Barack Obama or former Gov. Mitt Romney proposes. I was completely in the dark on any political issues that may be affecting this presidential debate. I do not know much about the economy or foreign policy. So what was I supposed to make my decision on?

I could have looked up all the ballot measures, done a bit of research or watched the news for a couple of hours. I didn't because I believe ignorance is bliss: I am content with the way this country is running. I have food on my plate, a bed to sleep in and a roof over my head. I am fortunate enough to have these things, but not all people do. I am not going to vote for something that will harm other people without my knowledge. 

It would be irresponsible for me to frivolously cast my vote for measures or people I know nothing about. I feel it was more responsible to withhold my vote, rather than support propositions or legislators who may not represent my beliefs. Voting is our precious way of self-representation, and I want to make sure I don't misrepresent myself by ignorantly submitting my ballot.  

Not everyone has to vote, nor do I think everyone should vote. It bothers me when people tell me, "You have to vote! It is your civic duty!" I believe that everyone should have the right to vote, but I am not going to force anyone to vote. Citizens who do not vote have made a sort of voting by silence. This silence can mean that he or she does not support any candidate, does not care or like me, is too ignorant to vote. Voting is a privilege and I hope some people did not abuse this privilege by voting without the proper knowledge.