Jamaica’s next general election is constitutionally due by September of this year and within this context it is imperative that the Electoral Office of Jamaica begins to implement an islandwide national media educational campaign to inform and educate the registered voters within the country on how important it is for them to participate in the democratic process by voting for whichever party they desire .

In the last two elections which were held, the general and local government, the voter turnout was less than 40 per cent. The September 2020 general election voter turnout was approximately 37 per cent, the February 2024 local government election voter turnout was 29.6 per cent, and in 2016 it was 30.06 per cent.

Jamaica is a functioning democracy and all citizens should appreciate this incontrovertible fact and exercise their important constitutional right to vote during elections. Especially during a general election in Jamaica, the voter turnout should be no less that 70 per cent. Over the past few decades this country has had free and fair elections and citizens should appreciate, recognise, and understand that every single vote is important and begin to act responsibly by voting in the upcoming general election.

Below I will highlight 10 significant reasons Jamaicans should vote in the upcoming general election:

1) Voting protects democracy: At its core, voting is about democracy. The more people participate in elections and exercise their right to vote, the more important it is for politicians to represent voter interests. If people don’t participate, politicians won’t be motivated to listen, because their positions aren’t at risk. An active voting population protects democracy.

2) Every vote matters: Many people don’t vote because they believe their one vote doesn’t matter. The reality is that elections are often decided by very close margins. This is especially true for smaller, local elections such as here in Jamaica. There are already fewer voters in these smaller races, so each vote holds a lot of weight. If everyone realised that his/her vote matters, governments would be significantly more representative.

3) Voting shapes social agendas: There are many social issues affected by elections, including (but not limited to) marriage, reproductive rights, capital punishment, as well as freedom of speech and religion. Social issues affect everyone in one way or another. To have a say in who gets to pass laws on social agendas and what laws are put in place, voting is essential.

4) Voting shapes the economy: The laws within a society don’t only affect social issues, they shape the economy as well. This includes laws on taxes, the cost of higher education, student loan policies, social security benefits, and health-care costs, which are very important for all Jamaican citizens. Politicians voted into office also decide on governmental budgets, such as how much money goes to the military versus social safety net services. By voting, the Jamaican voter can make his/her economic priorities clear.

5) Voting affects environmental policies: As climate change continues to threaten the future, it’s more important than ever to vote with the environment in mind. Globally, environmental policies have become contentious and urgent. Some politicians understand the dire situation we’re in while others continue to deny there’s even a problem. Voters decide who will make the important decisions.

6) Voting affects foreign policy: All nations, including Jamaica, must engage with other countries, whether it’s on trade, shared interests, or resolving conflicts. Many voters may not think much about how their votes determine foreign policy, but these policies can affect everyday things, like how much goods cost, the price of gas, and job opportunities. For people in the military or who work internationally, foreign policy is also extremely significant.

7) Voting impacts your wallet: Speaking of how much things cost, voting also has a direct effect on your money. Elected officials at a local and national level are in charge of countless budgets. Taxes, which are taken from your paycheque, fill out those budgets. Voting lets you have a say in where that money goes and who has to pay what. As an example, the tax rate for the wealthiest people is an area of huge interest in the United States. How little corporations pay in taxes is also frequently on the ballot in the form of politicians who oppose or favour higher taxes. Many Jamaicans throughout our country are bitterly and constantly complaining about the extremely high cost of living rate, barely surviving, while housing prices are out of the reach of the ordinary Jamaican worker.

8) Voting holds leaders accountable: In places where voters fill out the Government, votes have a lot of power. If a politician is chosen because of his/her promises, but then backs down, voters can vote him/her out. This accountability is a huge reason free and fair elections are so important, and thankfully, in Jamaica we have an excellent, transparent, and accountable election machinery. If voting rights are threatened, it inhibits peoples’ ability to hold elected officials accountable. Politicians can remain in power and break their promises even if most of their constituents want them gone.

9) Voting impacts the present and the future: In relation to constitutional reform and future economic policies, the Jamaican voter will need to select a party to structurally move this country forward in a way that will benefit the masses and allow people to choose, via a national referendum, the areas necessary to effect the various constitutional reforms. Which party places the Jamaican people first and which party supports the elite and wealthy minority in the country to the detriment of Jamaica. This is an important issue for voters to diligently consider within an dispassionate framework. Which party will address and eradicate the widespread corruption within the country and public sector.

10) Voting is part of protecting human rights: The ability to have a say in who runs your Government is a human right. In places without some form of a voting system people can’t participate in the Government. People can’t run for elected office if they want to change things. Leaders aren’t held accountable through elections. The right to vote also maintains and protects other human rights, such as the freedom of association and freedom of expression. Voting matters because human rights matter.

The party manifestos should be published before the general elections are announced and allow the Jamaican voter to study them carefully and closely so that they can be informed of the two contrasting policies — one from the Jamaica Labour Party and the other from the People’s National Party. It is preposterous and ludicrous to be publishing the party manifestos two weeks before the general election.

With only months to go before the country’s general election, due by September, was it practical for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to have appointed quite recently two government senators to the Upper House, namely Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright?

The Holness Administration also needs to inform the people whether it supports the country joining the Caribbean Court of Justice or establishing a final court of appeal here in Jamaica?

opinionwriter900@zohomail.com