The Obligations That Go Along With the Privilege of Voting

ACCORDING TO LIZ - Partaking of the privilege of voting means people must make the effort to be informed, to understand what’s on their ballot and how it affects them before they actually vote. Citizens need to take their responsibilities seriously, and not rely on others' opinions.

Each voter must engage personally, do their own research… and their own thinking about how it will personally affect them and their future. 

Something that A.I., whether hallucinating or not, is incapable of doing.

Since Chatbots and their ilk simply regurgitate what their electronic feelers can access. Which is a lot, but heavily weighted with opinions and fake news; the more alarming, the more reposted, and the more that such repetition gives metric-minded digital analyzers a mistaken comprehension of relevance. 

Leaving A.I. “opinions” hopelessly slanted.

For whom you should vote ultimately depends on your values, your beliefs, your trust in who will best represent your interests. Not a party, nor a president so your voice has a better chance of being heard.

Can you reach them, meet with them? Do they listen to votes… or the money that buys them.

Will they be honest with you when cherished legislation dies or data centers are planned for next door?

People need to identify candidates' stands on what matters to them, their fundamental human values, and learn to resist the dog-whistle ads of opponents using wedge issues to pry them away from what’s truly important. 

At the national level, people need to understand how the multiple layers of government really operate. That no matter how hard House Representatives try, so long as the Senate filibuster – which addresses if a bill is heard, not the issue – exists, even the greatest legislation will never see a first reading.

People need to deflect divisive attacks from those holding opposing positions by saying “Thanks for your opinion, but have you considered…” and move on to other topics, focusing on shared values and needs. 

James Madison wrote that essential decisions should be derived from the great body of society, not a favored class. 

The origins of democracy in ancient Greece meant everyone gathering together to debate and decide. As the numbers of voters grew, the concept of a republic evolved in which the masses voted for people to represent them, to act and make decisions on their behalf. But specifically, to enforce the decisions of the majority. 

In a republic, people vote for people to represent them, to act and make decisions on their behalf but specifically to enforce the decisions of the majority, and that should be the majority of citizens, not politicians.

For your voice to be heard, elect candidates that focus more on their constituents than their party, what pushes their voters’ immediate concerns, who can understand and convey how these intersect with long-term objectives, and who can find the most persuasive basis to pursue win-win results.

The lure of problem-solving by proposition has turned into a lucrative side-show in California elections with special interests crafting the one-line description to appeal to the voters’ self interest. Voters need to dig below the surface to see who really benefits and who is left footing the bill.

All Props cost money. Those with the deepest pockets and the most to lose will inevitably spend the most on scarifying ads to deter passage that would lead to bills increasing protections for ordinary Californians. 

In 2020, gig economy companies spent over $200 million to classify their employees as independent contractors in order to avoid payroll taxes, insurances and other employer obligations. 

Prior years saw the addition and increase of “sin taxes” on sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol, labeling of GMO foods, clearly in the consumers’ interest, go down to defeat under the tsunami of corporate-funded misleading ad campaigns.

This year counter-Props were put in play to leverage keeping and increasing their profits. And further confuse the issue with enticing-sounding descriptions.

Look long and hard at what’s on this year’s ballot, what is the actual intent of each Prop, and who is funding all those ads for and against before you make a choice. One you could come to regret.

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, whether overtly or covertly adopted by Trump, was intended to defang voters.

American voters deserve and must take back their Constitutional rights from the oligarchs now running this country through bought politicians and A.I.-enhanced lobbying.

Break free by ballot means working hard to find the best people, the best propositions for which to vote. None may be perfect but if enough people turn out and start bending the arc

Dig through the nuances to determine what’s better in the long run. Does immediate relief from pain undercut long term gain? Increased spending on services and infrastructure and keeping taxes low will mean more debt to be paid off down the line and less to be spent on future economic incentives and expansion.

Is there a center path between the drumbeating of the Democrats and the threats of the Republicans? Can one of the candidates stand strong for your interests against party tropes and hyperbole? Who will resist partisan subornment and outside corruption the most and act in your favor?

Be big picture and focus on how they would balance affordable housing (not more housing that people can't afford) with taxation, and address the need to attract and keep people working in California instead of the cost of living in the Golden State driving them elsewhere. 

What actions will they take to tackle Americans’ underlying resentment of personal economic pain from spiraling energy costs and inflation as well as tax policies that favor Wall Street and billionaires over Main Street and people unable to afford the basics. From income inequality to the infliction of A.I., on jobs and the environment. 

These can only be addressed equitably if everyone works together, does their research, and votes responsibly. Emphasizing what's important. To you. 

The consequences of your vote are serious. Give the republic the respect it deserves by putting maximum effort into making your ballot choices. 

We must have faith in our democracy, hope that together we can make a difference and, above all, the love for our country to make our Constitutionally granted right to vote count.

(Liz Amsden is a former Angeleno now living in Vermont and a regular CityWatch contributor. She writes on issues she’s passionate about, including social justice, government accountability, and community empowerment. Liz brings a sharp, activist voice to her commentary and continues to engage with Los Angeles civic affairs from afar. She can be reached at [email protected].)