14 October 2018: Why vote?

Last week I voted by absentee ballot. I went to the City Clerk, presented my driver's license, checked off the reason for voting absentee on an affidavit and received the ballot. I was able to complete it quickly because I had studied it in advance at https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/MVIC/selectpublicballot.aspx.

Why vote? Of course, it's a public responsibility, but are there other reasons? Here is my list. 

First, it tells our public officials that we are watching them. If they know we are voting, they cannot do whatever they want. This is reinforced when we communicate with them from time to time.

Second, I think it makes people like us more. When we vote, we proclaim that we believe we are a part of our community, which makes other people want to associate with us and help us.

Third, when we vote, we reinforce the belief that our actions can make our lives better, which makes us more successful. When we take the time to choose our public officials, we affirm the connection between our actions and our destiny. Surprisingly to me, many people think that "the man", or their significant other or someone else really controls their lives. As a result, there is no point in trying that hard, which contributes to personal failure. The act of voting makes the statement that we know we are in charge of our lives.

What do you think?