The first time I ever voted was 2 B.C (Before Children) in 2008. Ten years on, now as a parent with two young children, I believe it is more important than ever for us mums and dads to vote. Here’s why:
Voting brings (more) happiness
Psychologically, when we attach ourselves to something bigger than ourselves, we give ourselves a sense of meaning and purpose. Having a family is one of them.
However, parenting is a tough job. The joy our offspring brings also comes with the daily grind of preparing meals, cleaning, organising and executing the family’s daily activities. Whilst we are blessed to see our family bloom, it is also important to attach ourselves to other activities that give us meaning. Some parents train to become triathletes, whilst others mobilise the neighbourhood to provide a better living environment for the community.
Participating in the elections, either by campaigning for political parties, volunteering to become a Polling Agent or Counting Agent (PACA), or just by going out to vote at your polling station is an opportunity for us to feel connected to something bigger, and therefore happier. It also gives us great stories to tell the children!
We matter, and by that, we show them that they matter
One of the basic ideas of democracy is that each individual counts through their vote. However, its origins are also humanely flawed. When the Greeks first practised democracy, neither slaves nor women could vote. Western women of the 19th century were considered “too irrational and emotional” to vote. It was only after the colossal struggles by the suffragettes that women began to vote.
Historically, groups that have been kept out of the democratic process have mobilised to stand up and be counted through their votes. Then as now, people around the world are braving long queues, acts of intimidations, and old age to stand up and be counted. If we do not vote, we literally do not count.
One of my favourite Peribahasa is “bagai ketam mengajar anak berjalan betul” (Like a crab teaching its child to walk straight). Our children and families matter to us. If we want them to matter in the larger picture, to stand up and be counted, we must do it first.
A perfect family educational and bonding event
Elections are a great opportunity for children (and us) to (re)learn the three pillars of our country’s constitutional democracy.
It is also an opportunity to point out the difference between state and federal governments, and the enactment of local council by-laws and federal laws. For example, “why do some states in Malaysia have policies of paying 20 sen for plastic bags whilst others don’t?” can be a good discussion point.
The carnival-like atmosphere with the different political parties’ flags, a day out with the family to the polling station will make it a memorable family event (But please be sure to be more than 50 metres away for those who are not voting!). Adults can take turns to be with the kids and play “name the flag”, or “ which teacher would you vote to be the principle of your school, and why?”, or even a game of “would you rather a RM800 handout or a higher (and fairer) minimum wage?” for the older children.
The vote gets us thinking about leadership
I believe that every human being is a leader in their own way. Voting give us the opportunity to start a conversation about the qualities of a good leader. In our children’s young lives, are their parents, teachers, or relatives good leaders by their actions and not just words? Are they honest, principled, hard-working and compassionate? Or were they self-serving individuals who lied when they did the wrong thing?
As voting is also an action of conscious choice, we can also discuss with our children the choices they make regarding the choosing the leaders in their lives. Did they choose the leader at playtime because that kid has the coolest lightsabre? Did that kid give others sweets to play a “game” that involved ganging up on a weaker child? What choices did your child make, and why?
To vote for their future
The elections of 2013 saw a historical turn-out of 85% of Malaysia’s 13.3 million voters who wanted to stand up and have their views be counted. This year’s 14th General Election is our chance to say how our country will run not only for the next five years, but also set the foundations that will be set for those after. Parental wishes for their offspring do not vary widely. We want a sense of safety and security, fair-play, access to good quality education and healthcare in order for them to achieve their fullest potential. So, on the 9th of May, let us vote to make our desires for our children’s future heard.
