Voting Guidelines

In view of the upcoming Student Union elections, I thought it appropriate to compile a list of my thoughts into a checklist so that people can go through it before voting.

Voting is a democratic process where the represented population choose a representative/s to represent them in a leadership task. It is the right of the represented population to vote, and to vote for what they deem to be right rather than being most beneficial to them. Voters need to be informed in order to vote. Here is a list of 20 questions that I THINK need to be addressed before you vote.

1. Who constitutes the team? Why were they chosen?
2. What are the motives of those standing for election?
3. What have they done in the past?
4. What do you expect them to do if they are elected?
5. What will they do if they are elected?
6. Will each member be able to finish their term in office and at the end of it fulfill their manifesto?
7. What are the plans of each team? Do certain people stand to benefit from it?
8. Are the plans short-termed or long-termed?
9. Is there an ulterior motive for formulating some of the plans?
10. Have the plans been formulated after careful consideration? Or are they there to woo in the votes?
11. Do you think that the plans will be realised during the team's term in office?
12. Do any of the plans the team has go against your conscience?
13. Do you think the team voted in will be able to get the support they need?
14. Do you think the team you vote for will be able to make a difference?
15. Are you being influenced to vote based on your emotions?
16. If yes, why? Is this relevant?
17. Do you stand to gain anything if a particular team is voted in?
18. Will the team you vote for listen to your grouses and concern?
19. Are you being influenced to vote based on who your friends are voting for?
20. If yes, WHY? Each vote should be an informed vote.

Voting is your right, voting is your RESPONSIBILITY. Every vote counts.
Vote for the team that you think has the right reasons. Do not be shortchanged.

Disclaimer: This checklist is not an official document. However, the author has tried to be as objective as possible when compiling it, but there may still be some elements of biasness and/or errors. Think and absorb only what you deem appropriate to yourself.