– What do you think is Guatemala's problem? Ignorance or indifference?

– What do you think is Guatemala's problem? Ignorance or indifference?

–I don't know, I don't care!…

It is common to hear that “it's not worth voting” or that “the choices are very bad” but how true is this? Is it really a solution? Let's evaluate some important points so you can make the important decision to vote this August 11th.

The vote is universal, free, and secret. It is common for us as citizens to take for granted that our power and right to vote works correctly, but there are democracies where tyrants do not recognize the vote of citizens; and elections have no value whatsoever. That is why it is important to remember the importance of voting.

Characteristics of voting in elections

A universal vote: The vote is equal for all. Regardless of any category, the citizens' vote has the same value in elections. Both the vote of the President of the Republic and that of a citizen have the same value. The vote does not consider race, color, height, or wealth; the vote is the most egalitarian act that exists in a democracy.

A free vote: The vote is an expression of individual freedom; any person can decide who to vote for without being forced to vote for a particular candidate.

A secret vote: Voting is an intimate act in elections. You vote in a booth, where no one is watching you, and when you deposit it in the ballot box, you do so without anyone seeing your vote. This is important because when votes were by show of hands, other people could see who was being voted for, and social or family pressure could influence your decision when voting. A secret vote ensures that you have no pressure of any kind to cast your vote freely.

What will change if I vote in the elections?

A democracy and a republic are built on the participation of citizens in the election of rulers. This is how we legitimize ourselves to: demand, audit, and participate.

VIDEO 10 reasons to vote in these 2019 elections

Voter participation in Guatemala