A Voter’s Guide: Who Not to Vote For—This Election and Every Other Election

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Voting is an important part of every democracy, as it is an equally important responsibility and duty of a responsible citizen living within a democracy. It often feels that our one vote is useless, that it means nothing. So why even bother? 
    While not untrue, it's not just one vote. It is the ONE vote that can form a sea of ONE and ONE and ONE and ONE and ONE and drive a sea of change. 

However, casting a vote isn’t as easy as it seems, not just for first-time voters, but for all voters. With so many candidates to choose from, with so many parties to keep track of and manifestos to read, keeping track, let alone being aware and informed about the flood of candidates, parties and policies, is not always possible. 

What, then, must we do? Do we just vote for the candidate that is brand-spanking-new or is a friend of a friend of a friend? Or do we favour the candidate with the most clout or who belongs to a party that we favour? This is no easy task. 

However, things needn’t be this complex. It won’t be easy, definitely not as easy as voting for the candidate with the loudest voice or the sickest rap promo. But it isn’t impossible either. 

The trick is in knowing who NOT to vote for. Here’s my checklist of who not to vote for. If the candidate fails any one of the points from the checklist, DO NOT vote for them.

Do NOT Vote for a Candidate If They Are:

1. Anti-Democtatic i.e. Autocratic or Dictatorial:

  • Supports concentration of power
  • Has a habit of disregarding courts, parliament, or the press.
  • Positions themselves as the Saviour, the ONLY alternative. 
  • Has a hard time accepting election outcomes or questions the validity only if the results are unfavourable
  • Has a disregard for due process or rule of law and believes their word is the last word.

2. Anti-Secularism/ Pro-Some Religion

  • Promotes or gives preferential treatment to one religion or culture as superior to the rest.
  • Is unable to differentiate “church” from state.
  • Tries to include religious texts/ scriptures as part of the school system or gives preferential treatment to one religion in public institutions.

3. Anti-Free Speech 

  • Attacks journalists, critics, activists or protestors or anyone who challenges or questions them.
  • Bans Social Media, News Media, etc.
  • Only talks to a select media or doesn’t face any media, or only talks through one-way channels such as Twitter, Facebook or Truth Social posts.
  • Resorts to violent measures or promotes violent measures to control any and all dissent.
  • Labels dissents or protests as "anti-national" or “foreign- influenced”

4. Anti- Federalism

  • Undermines provincial or local autonomy.
  • Wants to weaken federal structures in the name of efficiency.
  • Disregards ethnic and cultural identities  and histories

If a Candidate fails even ONE of the checklist, REJECT!  
If they PASS all, LOOK for other differentiators such as policies, competence, and character. Select the best one from the remainders. 

Red Flags to Look Out For:
All media are out to get me. The media is FAKE news. 
The court system is a puppet. They have been bought. 
Federalism is too expensive and inefficient. We should give them less power.
Doesn’t face the media. Only talks through lapdog media. 

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