Library Research Paper for English 2

Really? I Have the Future In My Hands?

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An Analytical Study on Voting and Decision-Making

Ivy Dianne J. Olivan

English 2 D - 4R

Professor William Remollo

13 March 2012


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An Analytical Study on Voting and Decision Making

Last February 22-24 2012, the annual University Student Council Elections in the

University of the Philippines in Los Baños took place. The three-day election had been

controversial for the voters and candidates themselves. As expected, there were endless

platforms, promises, and projects for a better service to the student body. There were

even issues of bribery and inconsistency in the atmosphere. While many had their

choice among the three party lists: the Samahan ng Kabataan para sa Bayan o

SAKBAYAN, Move U.P and Buklod-UPLB, a lot more did not want to decide. Most

students are aiming for progress and change. Freshmen up to senior students have been

waiting for this. However, why is the voters’ turnout only 40% of the student

population? Although there are diverse reasons influencing a voters’ decision, such as

personal background and candidates’ campaign strategies, Filipinos should exercise

their right to vote in order to assert democracy, elect lawful leaders, awaken patriotism,

and initiate positive changes for the Philippines.

Elections are the most effective means of popular control. It is through elections

people voice out their opinion for a society’s government. Also a mirror tells the quality

of democracy in a country (Coronel, 2004; Pacis, 1956). Nationally, when citizens reach

18 years of age, they are then given their right to vote. The Philippine electoral system is

the plurality system or the “first past the post” which creates a minority president.

Annually, national elections are being held during the month of May and voters were

only allowed to cities where they are registered. Hence, if they have changed their


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residency, they are still required to vote in that city where they have registered, unless

reregistered in the current place of residency. Here in UPLB, being a bona fide student,

regardless of age, is enough qualification to be given the right to vote. All a student

needs is a validated identification card and/or a Form 5.

Nevertheless, how do voters choose a commendable leader to govern lawfully in

a society?

Humans are imperfect decision makers. Thus, there a numerous factors affecting

an individual’s voting decision, but, to much advantage to scientists, a behavior of an

individual in decision-making are measured by means of a preference scale. A study in

Political Psychology in the 1950s suggests that personal experiences, political

knowledge, and media determine one’s political participation that is being shaped

through psychodynamic processes. Most of all, there are many evidences proving that

individuals learn their political patterns early. (Arrow, 1951; Hyman, 1959; Janis, 1977)

As the study suggests that from and within childhood, a person starts to learn

his/her political patterns, his/her view on politics may has been influenced by how their

family sees politics. In addition, huge clans can be also a device for bloc voting, or the

term used for one-candidate voting for all the members of a particular group of people.

If the family sees elections and politics as an opportunity to participate in the national

activities, the person or the child may have seen it likewise. In fact, Hyman (1959) in his

book “Political Socialization” suggests that once a child how to think, they should ask

him what kind of individual he most admired or most likely to resemble, and by


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clarifying such ideals in terms of their incorporation into politics one may directly

express the child’s likely degree of political participation. By this, parents, being the first

educators of a child, can instill in a mind of a child the basic morale of what is right and

wrong and educate a child what must a responsible democratic citizen perform during

these political activities. If parents are educating their offspring the gift of democracy,

then children will yearn for involvement. Products are student leaders, which mostly are

whose politics running into their bloodline and are educated at an early age. And

otherwise, if parents inculcated a false perception of politics into a young mind, for an

instance, as for taught that politics is a complex and distant realm that is beyond a

power of commoner to affect, the child might no longer see the value in his vote and

might uphold that adage for a lifetime, unless twisted or corrected. Instructing a young,

innocent mind how to be a critical thinker and to positive political can be a step to a

nation’s progress. (Long, 1981)

As the family’s upbringing greatly affects a child’s political participation, so is a

person’s educational attainment. People who read more books and magazines and

listen frequently to radio programs and forums are been regarded as more educated

than most of the members of the society. Furthermore, interests that are highly

stimulated by better education and the perspectives that are gained encourage an

educated person to participate in politics. Today in the society, the definition of a social

status includes educational attainment, so the higher a person’s status; the greater is

both his/her interest in public affairs and the likelihood that this person will be a public


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affairs leader (Katz & Lazarsfeld, 1959). Moreover, a professional, for example, is more

knowledgeable about politics than commoners in the society are. His knowledge about

himself, being a highly regarded citizen, will affect his decisions. A professional clearly

would support candidates from whom he will benefit most (Janis, 1977). Moreover,

social strata are roughly determinants of how they are going to vote and who to vote. If

a voters’ family is below the poverty line, they would more likely to support a candidate

who pledges to alleviate poverty, as mostly they see the government as a lifesaver. The

poor usually take little part in politics because participation often seems irrelevant to

their primary concerns. They tend to address more of their urgent problems than to

participate in a national activity like elections. They see the government as an institution

too far beyond to reach. Instead of voting, as they see as a little help, they turn to their

friends, religious leaders, or anyone who is at a better position to help (Huntington &

Nelson, 1976; Noromor, 2010). For that reason, knowledge in one’s own background

and interests helps a person to decide on a particular subject of discussion.

Religion is also a determinant of a political choice. A devout follower will be

more submissive to the teachings and doctrines of a church, and would not

compromise. In the Philippines, being one with the State and the leader of influence

during the Spanish Colonial Period, the most dominant tower of influence is the Catholic

Church since 60% of Filipinos are Catholic (Guillermo, 1989). For Filipinos a church is not

only an institutional church but also the influence of every decision to be made. A

church, for an instance, encourage bloc voting for the whole congregation, and one


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example is Iglesia Ni Cristo that requires its followers to vote only for the candidates

named by its leaders. However, listeners of flamboyant preachers who are claiming God

has told them whom their followers should vote for may be hindered from voting for

their choice of candidates. On the one hand, CBCP or the Catholic Bishops Conference of

the Philippines says, through an interview, that people should vote for their preferred

candidate regardless of religious organization affiliated with, thus, saying that they are

against bloc voting done by certain religious organizations (Pazzibugan, 2009; Presse,

2010). The candidate choice of the church should not really been enforced to a voter,

thus, losing free will and individualization in a society. The concept of a personal voice

for the nation loses its meaning.

With all of these, nothing more affects a voter’s preference than the personal

information of candidates and the way they present themselves to the public. Similar to

how voters evaluate themselves before making a decision, they also evaluate

information about a candidate in prior to making a choice during elections. Voters

assess a candidate’s credibility by educational attainment, personality, political

achievement, appearance, campaign paraphernalia, and advertisements. Kim Mhaoreen

Noromor, in her undergraduate thesis as a BS Development Communication student last

year 2011, found out that there are different habits of voters when choosing a

candidate to support. According to her thesis, there are people who vote for people

who look meek, gentle, and good-looking. These voters attach a candidate’s physical

appearance and personality. Another example is Jose Maria Sison’s statement about


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President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s triumph: “Noynoy Aquino won because of

being heir of his respected parents *late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and late

President Corazon Coquangco Aquino] and as a candidate who promised to eliminate

corruption” (Mandelo, 2010). Voters suppose that the legacy of a family of a candidate

stays within the identity of a candidate. Similar to President Noynoy Aquino, being a son

of two democratic martyrs in the Philippine History, voters see him as a continuation of

the lifetime promise of his parents. Moreover, voters also consider political

achievements. That is why candidates tend to “show-off” their achievements to the

public to let them discern that they ought to have the position. Student voters have

observed the situation during the USC elections campaign in UPLB. Party lists and slates

have been posting individual pictures of the candidates with their achievements,

politically or not. Candidates thought that the longer the list of achievements, the higher

the probability of more votes to support them.

Another interesting discovery is that according to respondent to Noromor’s

(2011) survey for thesis, they usually find good and colorful campaign paraphernalia

convincing and as a basis of their votes. One respondent also said that the

advertisements through mass media, especially through the television, haunt her on the

Election Day. In fact, according to Herbert A. Simon and Frederick Stern in their article

“Political Communication: The Effect of Television upon Voting Behavior in Iowa in 1952

Presidential Elections”, the production of television would result to the intensification of

the campaign. Their study on the influence of the television in Iowa yielded two results:


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1) There was increase in voting turnout, 2) There was an increase in awareness of issues

involved in the campaign. In conclusion, it is through mass media voters depend their

voting behavior. However, voters should be critical in what they see in television, hear in

radios, and read in newspapers that even journalists complain for lack of

professionalism, candidates use personalities, instead of delivering platforms and

addressing issues. Lack of knowledge in certain laws in a country would be a target for

deception by certain candidates only aiming for the office. For an instance, voters

should be aware of the 1985 Omnibus Election Code and the Fair Elections Act of 2001,

which states certain regulations about campaign and suffrage. One particular rule is that

the campaign expenditure limit for a presidential candidate is P10 per voter, plus P5 if

the candidate is under a political party. During the campaign period for the May 2010

Presidential Election, Presidential candidate Manuel “Manny” Villar was of

overspending. His total expenditure was believed to be P1 Billion. The issue faced many

verdicts from different people across the nation. All comes down to the same question:

who else but a plunderer will spend over P1 Billion of his own money just to land a P45,

000/month job? (Esposo, 2010) Therefore, voters should be critical in choosing whose

name circle to shade on elections day and must not let deception slip into their heads.

Above all these influences, if participation is undemanding, what attributes

affect the decision of people whether to participate or not?

People who have confidence in their ability to effect political change are more

likely to become involved in political activities. Information on personal and political


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efficacy influences votes whether to vote or not (Long, 1981). People vote because they

have goals for their nation. Some people vote because they are aware of what their vote

may change. Their vision of change starts with their political participation. They see the

election as an opportunity to be involved in national activities. According to Rhomalet

Keeshia Ong, a BS Computer Science sophomore student, she voted so in the future she

would have the right to question and complain things about the administration. Another

student, but under a different degree, Gladys Quiatchon, who is studying to be Doctor

of Veterinary Medicine and is on her second year, stated that curiosity forced her to

vote. She said she just wanted to try the new system of voting. While some people vote

because it was their personal choice, some people vote out of conformity and fear.

These people, who vote to conform, vote to be “in”. Voting seems to them a trend they

think they should be embracing. Their opinion leaders, who are their friends, neighbors,

co-workers, parents, spouses and other relatives seem to influence them to vote. Out of

compliance to a requirement, people choose to vote because it is acceptable to one’s

own society. On the one hand, some voters participate just because they are forced to

do so, if refused to comply, there will be negative consequences for the respondent.

Fear usually is being associated with electoral violence, thus, the 3Gs or the Guns,

Goons and Gold. Guns and Goons are used to intimidate voters to ensure electoral

victory at all cost; and Gold, money invested in elections to guarantee continued

dominance. These influences foster a decided individual to vote, willingly or not

(Huntington & Nelson, 1976; Katz & Lazarsfeld, 1959). However, a group of people can


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only intimidate a voter if the voter himself lets them to do so. A person’s vote should be

to encourage a political progress, not to tolerate electoral flaws and violence.

On the other hand, there are also people who do not vote. Studies and surveys

show that there are low levels of political participation from people who ought to

assume that their votes would not be worth anything and those who were not familiar

with the candidates. During the 1949 Philippine Elections, because of massive fraud and

corruption in the atmosphere, Huntington and Nelson (1976) assume that the poor and

even the better-educated citizens were led to believe that their vote would not be

counted. However, this is a false perception if to be connected to the current

government of the Philippines. As the new government seeks to organize public

activities like elections as flawless as possible, voters should also be of help to

themselves.

In his book “Human Existence”, British activist and educator, Paulo Freire said,

“Human existence cannot be silent nor can it be nourished by false words, but only by

true words, which men transform the world. To exist, humanly, is to name the world, to

change it… *Saying truthful words+ is not the privilege of some few men, but the right of

every man.” In 1800, Thomas Jefferson was elected President by one vote in the House

of Representatives after a tie in the Electoral College. In 1846, President Polk’s request

for a Declaration of War against Mexico passed by one vote. A single vote has the power

to change the government. A single vote can decide what is going to happen in the next

five years. Indeed, it can save lives. Then, what forbids voters from saving lives? Is it


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their intimidation, fear, family or friends? It does not matter. The problem is within

them. Their voices are and were meant to be heard, and they hold the reformation of

their country within their hands, no matter how insignificant they think their fingertips

are.


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References

Arrow, K. J. (1951). Social choice and individual values. New haven and London:

Yale University Press

Coronel, S. (2004). Cockfight, horserace, and boxing Match: Why elections are

covered as sport. Manila: Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

Esposo, M. M. (2010). The biggest campaign spender can also be the worst

Plunderer. The Philippine Star.

Guillermo, A. (1989). “Myths in religion and politics”. The covert presence and

other essays on politics and culture. Manila: Kalikasan Press

Human Existence Cannot Be Silent.

(http://www.justseeds.org/dylan_miner/16human.html)

Huntington, S. P. & Nelson, J. M. (1976). No easy choice: Political participation in

developing countries. Cambridge, Massachusetts, and London, England:

Harvard University Press.

Hyman, H. H. (1959). Political socialization: A study in the psychology of political

behavior. New York: The Free Press, London: Collier-Macmillan Limited

Janis, I. L. & Mann, L. (1977). Decision-making. Illinois: The Free Press (A

division of Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc)

Katz, E. & Lazarsfeld, P. F. (1959). Personal influence. In H. Eulau, S. J.

Eldersveld & M. Janowitz (Eds.), Political behavior: A reader in theory and

research. Illinois: The Free Press.


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Long, S. L. (1981). The handbook of political behavior. New York:

Premium Press

Mandelo, D. (2010, May 22). Interview with Jose Maria Sison.

(http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/05/22/campaign-contributions-pre-

programming-key-to-aquino-victory-sison/)

Noromor, K. M. (2011). Semiotic analysis of selected voters’ view of election

campaign paraphernalia, visual representations, and notions of

governance(Undergraduate thesis). University of the Philippines in Los

Banos.

Pacis, V. A. (1962). Philippine government and politics. Quezon City: Bustamante Press

Pazzibugan, D. (2009, September 16) CBCP affirms stand against bloc-voting.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Presse, A. F. (2010, May 5). (http.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/05/10/church-

leaders-wieldpower-philippine-election/)

Republic Act No. 881. (1985). Omnibus Election Code.

(http://www.chanrobles.com/electioncodeofthephilippines.htm)

Republic Act No. 9006. (2001). Fair Elections Act of 2001.

(http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno9006.htm)

Simon, H. A & Stern, F. (1959). Political communication: The effect of television

upon voting behavior in Iowa in 1952 presidential elections. In H. Eulau,

S. J. Eldersveld & M. Janowitz (Eds.), Political behavior: A reader in theory

http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/05/22/campaign-contributions-pre-%20programming-key-to-aquino-victory-sison/

http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2010/05/22/campaign-contributions-pre-%20programming-key-to-aquino-victory-sison/


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and research. Illinois: The Free Press

The Power of One Vote, Your Vote. Use It.

(http://groundupct.wordpress.com/2010/08/10/the-power-of-one-vote-your

-vote-use-it/

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Library Research Paper for English 2