Don’t fall prey to political ignorance
‘A Political View’ By Sherry Holliman
One of the biggest problems with democracy is that most of the public is usually ignorant of politics and government. Elected officials are supposed to seek ways to make decisions to improve the quality of life for everyone. The decisions may not always be the best solution but with adequate knowledge about politics, the leaders and voters would have a better control of creating systems to empower each other because voting is not just an individual’s choice.
It is “the exercise of power over others.”
Society should understand when voting for people who will occupy positions of political power, they do not just rule over those who voted for them, they also rule over the entire society and when voters exercise power over other people in that way, voters have a responsibility to be at minimum reasonably informed about all political matters.
Everyone have to find some way tmake decisions. The vast majority of people are politically ignorant to some extent. Inadequate voter knowledge will prevent the government from being effective, allow manipulation within the governance system, continue with the distrust of the public with politicians and create division among citizens. Most people will live their daily life, without being politically educated because they vote to satisfy their emotions and believe it is an important civil duty.
Voters almost never search for information about complex governance issues to make well informed choices to make a difference when making political decisions. Some people, of course follow politics for reasons other than becoming better voters. Unfortunately, some political followers will obtain information to remain bias. They overvalue anything that supports their preexisting views, and undervalue or ignore new data that cuts against them.
People take shortcuts when voting; they are biased; and they rely on inaccurate information when making political decisions especially on the state and local level.
Voters can change this cycle of ignorance by becoming more aware of the policies and laws created within the governance system. If you know little or nothing about the issues at stake in an election and are unwilling or unable to become better informed, you can serve the public interest best by staying home on election day and leaving the outcome up to those who might make better choices. Voting is a choice, and it is the opportunity to exercise the power over others. Political ignorance can be reduced with ensuring that the government system is transparent and all systems unite to become responsive and be held accountable for being ignorant.
Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She serves on the Marion City Council.
