How to make your vote matter in the elections

THE EDITOR: Historically, local government elections are poorly participated in Trinidad, despite affecting the most direct services in our communities. General elections fare better, but a large percentage of the electorate does not vote.

If you ask a disenchanted person why they do not vote, they usually respond that they do benefit, regardless of who holds office. This decision makes it easy for someone who does not represent your interest to become your tax-paid representative.

In an election, if a hundred people are registered to vote, but only three people vote, the candidate who wins only needs two votes to become the elected representative. That person now takes decisions on behalf of the 100 registered voters. No benefit comes from withholding participation in the electoral process.

Permit me to provide some tips on how we can make our vote matter.

Be interested. In several pre-election features published, most people did not know their councillor or Member of Parliament or the difference between these offices. By extension, this means they do not know how to access these people when necessary, or what services they provide. Find out who and how you can access these people so you can demand your service. They are not doing you any favours, you are paying them to assist you.

Choose a candidate who will engage with you and represent your interest. In local government, accessibility is most important, especially in times of emergency. If a candidate is hesitant to engage you or fails to provide an easy and tangible means to reach them once elected, then that is not your candidate.

I usually demand a contact number from all candidates I meet, so that even if my candidate does not win, I know how to reach the elected representative. This ensured me a productive term with my last elected official.

Vote on election day. This is the only way you can ensure that the candidate you choose will be able to represent you. They do not have the legal authority to assist if they are not in office.

If your candidate is successful, engage them. Many people feel the exercise of democracy happens only on election day. However, this is just the first step. The elected person should serve and represent you. Therefore, use the lines of communication to get your issues addressed. If you do not tell them what is your priority, then other priorities will take precedence.

If you are not satisfied, do not give your vote to them the next time. Choose another candidate who fits the criteria. When political parties realise they cannot take your vote for granted, you will see the quality of candidates and the services they provide improve.

So, in this last week of the campaign, I urge the public to take an interest and participate in the process. Make nothing a hindrance in this process; by law you are entitled to time off to exercise your duty on election day. Make your vote count.

SARVESH DASS

via e-mail