[Reader Submission] Steps to Vote, a Big Step Toward Democracy

Hampyeong-gun Election Commission Election Officer Guk Seung-geun

“Can we change the world? Can we live in the world we dream of?”

This is something we have all probably thought about at least once, but most would dismiss it as unrealistic and fanciful.

However, at the very least, we can make efforts to change the world. The reason we can say this is because we all can participate in politics. Among the ways to participate in politics, the easiest and most fundamental starting point of representative democracy is to take part in elections.

And the small efforts of individuals who want to change this world can now be put into practice starting with the upcoming 22nd National Assembly election, just one month away.

The 22nd National Assembly election will be held on the 10th. The National Assembly election is the most direct and essential process of politics, where the representatives of the people are elected. Already, various news and social media outlets are delivering numerous updates about the election, and as we encounter local political issues, we can feel the election approaching.

From now on, the role of voters is most important. Voters must evaluate political parties and candidates and actively exercise their precious vote so that their thoughts are reflected in policy directions.

It is time to reflect on whether I, as the owner of the election and the one who can exercise my rights, have always exercised that right.

“The value and weight of my vote are decided by us, the voters”

Although elections may seem to revolve around political parties and candidates, the real protagonists are us, the voters. Without voter participation, the legitimacy of elections cannot be established, and election results are ultimately determined by the choices of voters.

While the fairness of the election process might be thought to be the responsibility of political parties, candidates, election officials, and the election commission, it is impossible without voter participation. A fair election culture can only be completed when voters are at the center.

When voters show interest in policies and pledges, elections can develop into policy competitions. When voters hold accountable those who engage in illegal election campaigns, such illegal activities can be eradicated. When voters actively participate in voting, political parties and candidates listen more closely to the voices of voters. If voters conduct joyful and hopeful election campaigns, the election will ultimately become a festive occasion, and the flower of democracy will bloom.

Of course, voters also have the freedom not to participate in voting. However, a single vote from a voter who might think “What difference does my one vote make?” and pass by indifferently can change our lives at any time and in unexpected ways.

This is because exercising the right to elect representatives is ultimately more effective in determining the direction of our lives. The more voters express their opinions, the greater the legitimacy of the representatives and the clearer the direction of policy decisions become. The value and weight of my vote are decided by us, the voters. If you do not raise your voice and remain indifferent to elections and politics, no one will listen to your thoughts.

"A step to vote is a big step toward democracy"

This is the catchphrase put forward by the Election Commission for this National Assembly election. Representative democracy is only possible when each and every one of the many voters participates in voting and exercises their rights. No matter how noble democracy is or how much everyone should aspire to it, without the voluntary actions of individuals to realize it, it remains an illusion.

“We must cultivate the ability to foster healthy political communication”

Moreover, simply voting is not the only role of voters. Currently, our society is flooded with fake news (deepfake videos) and unverified information spreading rapidly through various media, which disrupts the voter’s decision-making process and poses a risk to democracy.

In such times, voters must correctly understand election and political information delivered through the media and develop the insight to foster healthy political communication.

As such, voters can carefully and critically select among various candidates and parties, then vote early on the 5th and 6th at nearby early voting stations, and on election day, April 10th, at their designated polling stations. For the 22nd National Assembly election, we hope your step to vote will become a big step forward in advancing democracy in the Republic of Korea.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.