Voting (Wisely)
By Happy del Rosario
February 2016

Last week, I posted on my Facebook wall a quote I got from a statement shirt I had many years ago: "Don't be STUPID, vote for someone SMART."  And then, it got me thinking how we can help our countrymen make their votes count this coming elections. Politics and biases aside, here are a few guidelines for all of us:

● Know your candidates.

Do your own homework. Don't just copy or play the "He said; She said" game (we all got in trouble at school when we didn't do our homework, didn't we? And it affected the results of our grades, didn't it?  Do your own homework, and see the results you make for yourself.

● ASK. Ask those questions:

- Is he/she knowledgeable of the law?
- Does he/she follow the law?
- Is he/she reliable?
- Can he/she represent our country among world leaders?
- Does he/she misuse or abuse power?
- Does he/she show accountability and transparency?
- What are his/her views on women, children, the environment, etc.?

There are many other important questions...these are but a few.  Go ahead, just ask those questions. You'd be surprised at the answers you get. And before you know it, those answers will help you in your decision.

● Show up and vote. Never think it's useless. YOUR vote counts. Don't say it doesn't make any difference. YOUR vote matters.

*We were all given ample time to register. Verify your name is on the list: www.comelec.gov.ph
*Have a valid ID on you on election day (voter's ID, passport, driver's license, etc.)

● Lastly, CHOOSE wise, understanding, and experienced men and women. 

Our collective and individual choices determine the direction we're headed as a nation.  It's in our hands. Let's make it count. We have the power-- power to vote wisely.