Solving a Problem from Our Civic Life: Voting - Part 1
If you have ever cribbed in your life, you should vote.
Here's a simple reason why. Have you ever cribbed about any of these? Long commutes. Constant traffic. Tax policies. Wasteful spending. Bad weather. Outdated laws. Dismal healthcare. Expensive education. Living costs. Hiring problems. And the list goes on. Our elected leaders decide on these and many more aspects of our lives. And the scope is quite wide. National leaders. State and local officials. Corporate board of directors. Advisory boards. Neighborhood groups. Social media groups. And various other committees. By choosing not to vote, we cause harm to our future self and our next generation. When we take our voting right for granted or ignore it, we also forget something important. That people fought hard and gave up their lives to provide us this precious right. Growing up in an Armed Forces background, I have real examples right around me. I'll expand more on the "why" in a future note.
The current U.S. presidential election is the biggest voting event coming up. So let us take that as an example. Some common roadblocks that prevent us from voting:
Everything above is valid. 100%. So how do we decide whom to vote for?
Voting space is ripe for serious innovation. So how can voting become a habit? Via startups that help people become informed. And enable their decision-making process. Are you building one?
Upcoming Notes:
Related Note:
Here's a simple reason why. Have you ever cribbed about any of these? Long commutes. Constant traffic. Tax policies. Wasteful spending. Bad weather. Outdated laws. Dismal healthcare. Expensive education. Living costs. Hiring problems. And the list goes on. Our elected leaders decide on these and many more aspects of our lives. And the scope is quite wide. National leaders. State and local officials. Corporate board of directors. Advisory boards. Neighborhood groups. Social media groups. And various other committees. By choosing not to vote, we cause harm to our future self and our next generation. When we take our voting right for granted or ignore it, we also forget something important. That people fought hard and gave up their lives to provide us this precious right. Growing up in an Armed Forces background, I have real examples right around me. I'll expand more on the "why" in a future note.
The current U.S. presidential election is the biggest voting event coming up. So let us take that as an example. Some common roadblocks that prevent us from voting:
- Politics is best kept away from my life.
- Economics is too complex for me.
- Foreign policy seems foreign to me.
- None of the final candidates appeal to me.
- My state population votes the opposite of me.
- Ballot tampering is a constant fear in my head.
- I'm a normal person who has enough problems in my life.
Everything above is valid. 100%. So how do we decide whom to vote for?
- Let us start with something simple. We understand what causes are meaningful to us. A narrowed down list is a good starting point.
- If we detest both candidates, how about we isolate them from the picture for a moment? And focus on the priorities and policies they are championing.
- What if we don't like their policies either? How about focusing on the party they are representing. What does it stand for?
- What if we've exhausted all possibilities as it relates to us? How about thinking of what matters to the future generation?
- Talk to your family to understand what matters to each person. If nothing else, you will understand them better.
- What if I still can't figure it out? Asking for help is another way. I'm not advocating someone decide on your behalf. Most of us have at least one friend who has a higher awareness of the system and happenings. Have a long conversation with them and request to explain things in layman terms. There is no shame in it. It is a quick way to increase your perspective that will be useful even outside of voting.
- What if you live in a state where the majority population votes your opposite? Remember that you could be in another state in the future.
- No voting system will be perfect for every situation. My investment Voatz has done a great job at increasing access. Starting with the disabled, overseas military, seniors, and college students. And now moving into the mainstream.
- What happens if I realize later I made the wrong choice? It is okay. Whenever you go towards a vision, mistakes will happen. They become a good learning experience. And you aren't the only one in that boat. What matters is that you made a start.
Voting space is ripe for serious innovation. So how can voting become a habit? Via startups that help people become informed. And enable their decision-making process. Are you building one?
Upcoming Notes:
- Solving a Problem from Our Civic Life: Voting - Part 2
Related Note:
Let's Talk: If you have a true experience that resonates, please send me an email.
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