Did you vote yet?
Such a simple question, but one loaded with layers of experience, history, and perspective. I’ve been eager to share my thoughts on voting and politics in the United States, especially as my journey through college and beyond has shaped my understanding of democracy. Along the way, I've learned how different political realities affect people's lives, including my own.
Historically, voting rights in America were reserved for wealthy, white, male landowners. Despite decades of progress, I sometimes feel that real political influence remains in the hands of those with wealth. The political system, as much as it claims to represent “people power,” often appears to serve other interests, giving the illusion of accessibility and equality.
Why I Vote
Yes, I voted through early voting, now open across the nation. It was a great option because November 5th is likely going to get crowded, and given that I am 2-hours drive away from my home district, I might not be able to make it there on time on Election Day. So it was definitely the best decision to go for early voting. In fact, these voting centers, mostly in town halls, are very secure and open even on weekends. I’m glad I did and now I can sit back and watch and critique the outcome as it comes out. I firmly believe that voting grants me a seat at the table, at least symbolically. But as a highly opinionated person, it’s beyond symbolism for me. In my experience, voting has become a qualification to participate fully in our national conversation. It’s an opportunity to stand for what matters to me and to have a say in shaping our collective future. A lot of people who came before us have toiled to make this happen. So we must keep shaping things through elections for the good of the future generations to come. Imagine this, if you don’t vote, it's difficult to justify any complaints about government policies or outcomes; engaging in the process gives you a voice in the direction of the country. I like to think that I am an independent thinker. For good or for ill, I will live with whatever choices I deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
Elections every four years allow for the peaceful transition of power, ideally from one ideology to another according to the wishes of the electorates. It’s part of what makes democracy so unique (Maybe in theory). But on the ground, it's clear that the process can sometimes feel disconnected from the ideals it represents. To me, democracy is a theoretically perfect system, but messy in practice. This claim is purely observational. Many people I talk to during this election season have expressed their frustration, saying they don't feel represented by either major party in America. You know them and as a result lead them to skip the voting ritual entirely. For me, going to the polls every four years is such an important civic engagement that should never be taken lightly. It's no secret that nearly half of all eligible voters often sit out elections, sometimes because they've lost their faith in the system.
On Power
Lord Acton once postulated over hundred years ago that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Every politician can attest to this if they are honest when asked. There is something about power that can be very addicting.
This leads to politics and history, and I am always fascinated by it, especially that of the Americas. I once aspired to run for office someday. But as I learned more, I saw how much filth comes with being a politician and how these public office holders often must balance their promises to the public with a blatant loyalty to their mega-donors. Politics in America is expensive at all levels, especially the presidency. It’s public knowledge that between the two leading candidates in 2020 U.S presidential elections, those two collectively took in over $3 billion in campaign funds. That is excessive. The conflicts of interest become painfully clear when you have the donor class pouring so much money into their favorite candidate’s war chest. And to get elected, many candidates often rely heavily on these contributions from interest groups, creating a subtle form of bribery. This has become so normalized that the lines are impossible to spot, even with a magnifying glass. In this land, big money often influences who holds power, making it easy to see how certain voices are prioritized over others when these candidates eventually land in their aspiring office.
This reality is in stark contrast with the democratic ideals of ancient Athens, where the concept of democracy, “people power,” was born. In the U.S., money speaks louder than an individual voice/vote. If one person, like me, votes, and another votes with a million-dollar donation attached, which has more influence here? The answer speaks volumes about the nature of power in modern democracy. Many have advocated for this to stop: take money out of politics. Good luck, I often tell people. In a country of over three hundred million people, a group of people with the right resources will always find a way to get what they want. Money, therefore, becomes a tool. I’m trying not to introduce the concept of oligarchy here, but it’s unavoidable. All this is not to discourage participation. In fact, the opposite is true. As it's written boldly in the Constitution, “We the People,” no matter how much money is used as a tool, still have the final say in who we want representing our collective interests.
A Man of Two Continents
Having roots in two continents gives me a unique lens through which I view politics and political power. This December, my home country of Ghana will hold its own elections. Just as in the U.S., people are struggling to make ends meet and looking to elected leaders for solutions. The desperation tends to intensify when people can’t seem to get their representative to offer any solutions to their plights. This isn’t unique to one country or continent; people everywhere always hope for good governance and a better future, even as they grapple with the limitations of those in power.
Voting and political engagement are therefore both privileges and responsibilities. As flawed as the system may seem, it still offers the potential for change and representation, making it worth showing up, speaking up, and casting a vote.
Please go out and vote.
I remain your pal,
Ronnie
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