The Way We Vote: Do We Care?

The Way We Vote: Do We Care?

By: John Kazerooni

Recently, I’ve come to a profound realization about the way we vote, and I’d like to share it. Voting is often seen as a simple civic duty, a chance to support democracy with our voices. But when we look deeper, we find that people vote for vastly different reasons, revealing significant divides in our society. Understanding these differences sheds light on why democracy can feel strained—especially when individuals place party loyalty, self-interest, or rigid ideologies above the broader ideals of justice and freedom.

Consider the groups we often hear about: those on the far right and far left. These groups are often locked into ideological “boxes,” their beliefs deeply shaped by party allegiance. Their loyalty to party goals seems unbreakable, often prioritized over the pursuit of justice or democratic principles. They hold a version of democracy aligned with their own ideals, making it difficult for them to consider differing perspectives. Their commitment to their own agendas can limit the growth of a democracy that thrives on openness and diversity of thought.

Then, there is another group that we might call independents. These are individuals who don’t allow themselves to be confined by strict party lines or ideological boxes. Instead, they prioritize justice, democracy, and the common good as guiding principles. Independents approach voting with an open mind, evaluating candidates and issues from all political affiliations—whether they are on the right, left, or somewhere in between—and choosing based on what they believe will serve society best. They vote not out of loyalty to a particular party, but out of commitment to fairness, integrity, and the well-being of the whole community. These individuals represent a hopeful vision for democracy, where choices are driven by conscience and a commitment to justice over partisan or personal agendas. They remind us that democracy is most powerful when it serves all citizens, not just a single faction.

But there is also a third group that votes solely based on self-interest, with little regard for the wider impact. For these individuals, voting is simply a means to secure personal advantages—whether it’s safeguarding a preferred ideology, increasing stock portfolios, or protecting a specific lifestyle. I remember asking a friend about his approach to voting, and he surprised me with his response: “I vote because it helps my stocks double or triple.” For him, voting was purely a financial strategy, with little concern for the community or country at large. This narrow, self-centered mindset is dangerous; it undermines the shared responsibility that democracy depends on and dismisses the hard-won freedoms we now enjoy. While this approach may not conflict with their own interests today, it almost certainly will impact future generations, including their own children. Such short-sighted thinking eventually backfires.

In light of this, we must ask ourselves: Which group do we belong to? Do we vote with respect for justice and democracy, or do we vote solely for our own interests? Do we value the freedoms that came through sacrifice, or do we take them for granted? And if someone threatens those freedoms, are we willing to stand up to protect them? ...

Our democracy depends on people who care about justice and democratic values over personal gain, who cherish our shared freedoms and resist the pull of rigid ideologies. When we approach voting with responsibility, recognizing the power of our choices, we become active participants in a democracy that remains strong, inclusive, and true to its principles. By voting not only for ourselves but for the good of society, we honor the sacrifices that secured our freedom and help preserve it for those who will come after us.

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