Selectively Juggling

Of course! Yes, I live in Australia and we have mandatory voting. However, regardless of this fact I am a staunch believer in the dual reality of citizenship- that is having both the rights and responsibilities needed to participate fully within said society. My rights are protected as is my voice to partake in the political process. I can’t imagine people not consciously choosing to vote – it is such a strange concept to me. Like why would I not exercise my right to vote, my right to be part of the political process. It may be an unpopular opinion, but I challenge people with the idea, thought or question “should a person who actively chooses to refrain from voting, be given the space or public arena to complain about the political?”

At the end of the day, how can people willingly give their power and political voice away? Look around the globe at this current state of political tomfoolery- would this have occurred (so dramatically) if intelligent, capable and politically aware people stood up and voted en masse?

I know my perspective is shaped by my cultural understanding and socialisation. From having parents stressing the importance of informed voting, to studying Social Work at University, where we studied citizenship and all it entails. Now, as a parent myself I see this reflected in my son who is studying a double degree- including social science/human rights and global/domestic politics. It’s important that all of us understand that ‘the political’ doesn’t exist in an abstract vacuum, outside of our lives. But rather the political shapes every aspect of our being, our home and work/study lives – from health, food, fuel etc. Hence every one should elevate their political voice.