UNDERSTANDING ELECTIONS AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY

Understanding elections and civic responsibility

Presented ByObia Mboni Bryan

OUTLINE1. Who I am and what YALI is all about

2. Introduction

3. Definition of key terms

4. The rights and responsibilities of a citizen during elections

5. Issues to advocate for before and after elections

6. How a voter can make the right choice

7. Elements to consider in grassroots campaign

8. Steps to consider when thinking of meeting a candidate or elected official

9. How to remind officials about their promises

10. Questions and interaction with participants

11. End of program

Introduction

Elections can be an important entry point to fellow citizens to

influence politics and change in their country. The right to vote is

inseparable from the right to participate in public life. Through

voting, one can choose the candidate who will work on the issues

they care most about. Voting is important, but election day is only

one day.

Definitions of key terms

Elections: It is a formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold a public office.

Civic Responsibility: It is the responsibility of citizens in a society to exhibit certain attitudes and actions related to participation in society and democratic governance.

Grassroots organizing: This is when ordinary citizens are the force behind the effort to make that change.

What are the rights of a citizen during election period?

1. The right to support or campaign on behalf of any candidate.

2. To vote freely for any candidate or measure of his/her choosing.

3. To have his/her vote kept confidential.

The responsibilities of a citizen during election period.

1.The responsibility to be informed.

2.Learn how to register to vote.

3. Register before the deadline.

4.Know the date of the election.

5.Know his/her assigned polling station.

Responsibilities cont…

6. Know the required documentation he/she needs to bring to the polling station.

7. know the candidates and issues.

8. Inform yourself by watching candidate debates.

9. Follow news about the issues and candidates in the local newspaper, radio or television.

10. Attending political events.

Issues citizens can advocate for and after elections.

1. Employment

2. Good wages

3. Improved living conditions

4. Affordable and comprehensive tax system

5. Adequate health services

6. Quality education

7. The respect for human rights and dignity at work

8. Laws that take into considerations the position of the less privilege and disadvantaged others.

How can a voter make the right choice?

1. Focusing on the candidate’s ideas for the future

2. Look beyond the personalities of the candidates(religion, gender, ethnicity or place of origin).

3. Organizing and attending candidate debates.

4. Assist voters in making decisions based on a specific problem.

5. Mobilize your fellow citizens(encourage them to register and vote).

What are the key elements in grassroots campaign for civic engagement?

1. LeadershipA leader is to be;

Responsible for bringing people togetherProvide vision and ensure that everyone is working in common purpose Assign respective roles and responsibilities to individualsCreate infrastructure for their cause by delegating specific tasks to

others.

Elements cont…

2. Capacity building

A leader is to;Draw more and more people during campaign.Celebrate good news with supporters as the campaign progresses.Prepare supporters for peaks and valleys during campaign.Make them understand that their support, especially in the more difficult

times of the campaign, is absolutely critical.Ask them to host an event to discuss the campaign and sign up more

supporters.

End of elements

3. Execution of plan

Ensure that supporters understand with perfect clarity what their role is, so as to avoid conflict of interest.

Steps to consider when thinking of meeting a candidate or elected official.

Meeting a candidate or elected official entails some preparations. One must;

1. Be specific on what your government can do to help the issue you care about.

2. Find out who the specific officials are, who needs to act and what you want them to do and by when.

3. Identify the key officials who have acted on this issue previously(Know their record).

4. Craft ideas on how the community, including associations, businesses and media, can strengthen the action you think government should take.

How to meet a candidate or elected official.

1. By visiting their offices or contacting their staff.

2. Use personal connections, like someone who knows the candidate or official.

3. Look for public meetings they’re scheduled to attend and seek them out there.

4. In-person requests

5. Phone calls

How to Prepare for a conversation with a candidate or elected official.

1. Introduce yourself and thank them for meeting with you.

2. Talk about the problem in your community that you want their help with.

3. Propose your solution to the problem, including ideas for immediate actions by the government as well as a longer-term vision.

4. Make “the ask.” Be specific about what action you want the official to take and by when.

5. Wrap up your meeting with a follow-up discussion or action in mind.

How can elected officials be reminded about their promises after elections?

1. By forming advocacy groups

2. The use of social networks

3. Print media(magazines, journals, newspapers etc.).

4. Through music

The danger in buying and selling votes

Buying and selling votes leads to;

1.Reduced government accountability.

2.Decreases trust in politics.

3.Increases corruption.

4.Favoritism, Tribalism and Nepotism.

Conclusion

Your vote is your voice. You can use it to make a difference in your life and the lives of your friends, families and the future of your country. If you sell your vote, then you are essentially selling your future. Vote the change you want to see and stay engaged to ensure your voice continues to be heard long after election day.

The Change Can Begin With You.

Thank You

Reference

YALI.STATE.GOV