Written By: Chiara Atoyebi
I learned about the significant impact history had on our voting decisions while I was an incoming freshman at the University of Michigan. I still can recall the first time I cast my ballot for president. I remember innocently walking to the polling place, excited to cast my vote, when a classmate casually asked me, “So who are you voting for?” Back then I didn’t know that this type of question was generally taboo and gave my honest answer. I was considering voting Green.
My friend looked at me a little bit shocked, “nah, nah,” he laughed. “You gotta vote this way. Everyone is voting for this person.” Although I thought it was strange to not vote for the issues aligned with my convictions, I followed the rules and cast my vote as I was encouraged to do so.
How many of you have experienced the same kind of cajoling into a position that would ultimately solidify your voting direction throughout life? This is not uncommon, especially among minority groups whose existence and socio-economic progression depend on a majority rules stance–i.e. Groupthink.
According to an article in Very Well Mind, Groupthink is defined as, “a psychological phenomenon in which people strive for consensus within a group. In many cases, people will set aside their own personal beliefs or adopt the opinions of the rest of the group. The term was first used in 1972 by social psychologist Irving L. Janis.”
While I have never missed the opportunity to vote in any election since I first became of legal age, I am becoming increasingly focused on my state and local elections due to their direct impact on my life. We often hear are issues being “state’s issues” but many lack the knowledge of who their local representatives, are and what they do.
It’s my personal belief that the highest office should focus on issues that are large in scale: infrastructure, terrorism, war, the national budget, and our military to name a few. If my state has the authority to overrule certain issues and deem rulings ineffective, then my local electorate becomes the focus. Consider this–every elected official in your state should be acutely aware of what is happening under their stewardship. If they’re not, then we have a problem. Certain matters should not be limited to the White House’s sphere of influence alone but instead should be further expounded upon by subject matter experts.
Our nation is having a come-to-Jesus moment in terms of our relationships with government, authority, and established systems.
It has been reported that many people will not vote. This can be attributed to the recent lesser of two evils discourse surrounding the presidential race, as well as our inherent GroupThink mentality.
Some people’s lack of civic engagement stems from outdated ideas and loyalties they believe will carry them through until their party re-aligns with their interests.
It’s a valid option. Changing things from the inside out is sometimes the most effective way of doing business.
I know the cost that was historically paid for me to cast my vote. Despite what I may feel, and even if I seemingly go rogue at some point, I will always cast my ballot.
Every day, hundreds of decisions get made in the interest of minorities and are supposedly for minority groups, delegated by people who have an intellectual assessment of the situation.
Simply put, that is because we are not in the room. We need to be in the room and where we can’t be in the room, our vote has to be.
Moreover, I encourage you to get involved with local politics. Know who is on your school board, know who is regulating the food in your area, and what new programs are being put into place.
Here are some resources for you to get involved locally:
American Local Government Elections Database
Find and Contact US Elected Officials
