Show up or shut up

I’m a voter and I’m proud of it. Ever since I turned 18 – which was less than two decades ago, yet it seems like a lifetime – I was in the booth at every opportunity. I even cut short a stay in the United States just to be home to be able to cast my vote. This is why it always saddens me that there are political parties and other movements that campaign for absenteeism. This is still the case even if they argue that the question asked in a referendum is pointless and of no consequence. In the specific case of this Sunday’s vote I disagree with that statement, but I generally believe that there is no such thing as an inconsequential ballot. Having spent some time in America I’m perfectly aware how many people there are who don’t give a crap about voting. Over there organisations try to encourage people to get out there and vote. They embrace the fact that every voice should, and must, be heard. Unfortunately more and more people in Hungary believe that the politicians representing them are out of touch and thus cannot be held responsible for their acts. I believe that those choosing not to vote give up their right to criticise, and the same applies for politicians who are campaigning for people to stay home. I obviously have an opinion about what the right vote is this Sunday, but I don’t really care where anybody puts their X – or two X’s if they want to express their opinion by casting an invalid ballot – as long as they decide to show up. But just in case you don’t, can I ask one thing? Until your next option to vote, shut up!