The Secret Ballot

In elections, we vote secretly. We either go to a poll station, enter a voting booth, and elect whom we want to represent us. Or we mail our vote in a sealed envelope. This is the way it should be. Whom a person votes for is not anyone’s business.

But being the flawed human beings we are we cannot wait to tell people for whom we voted. We cannot wait to hear for whom they voted. We cannot wait to hear who is for or against us. And we hope by the end of election night we can say hooray for our side.

Would it be better if we kept our vote to ourselves? By doing this, it might cause less division.

 Would it be better if before submitting our ballot we did not tell anyone for whom we were voting? Nor ask for whom they are voting?

The secret ballot gives us all a chance to vote for whomever we want without any harassment for it. It gives us the opportunity to think on our own. It gives us the opportunity to weigh the merits of each individual running for office. This is what democracy is supposed to be.

By telling people who we are voting for, we give up that right. And as Americans we love our rights. Free speech is one of them. Would it be better to use the right of free silence more often when it comes to our vote?

For one, we could hold those running for offices more accountable. If they know that we are going to vote for them they can tell us anything. If they do not know our vote, then they must be more truthful and accommodating to the people’s wishes.

To them, winning the election is more important than anything. If we do not tell them our intentions, they will do whatever it takes to win us over. Even tell the truth.

The silent ballot would also make people more willing to talk about issues that affect all. If we know that the conversation will not lead to a choosing of sides for an elected official or party, we will be more honest, open, and understanding. Common ground will be easier to find.

The last thing that keeping our vote to ourselves would do is make us vote for the person we believe is best suited for the position no matter what party they are in. The secret ballot would make us less tied to voting for one political party. Who knows? Maybe Independents would get more votes.

So, would we be better off if we kept our vote secret and not inquire about how others vote? There is a chance that we would.

The right to vote secretly should be held in higher regard than the right to vote.