Republican or Democrat?

That seems to be the way a lot of people pick the candidates they vote for in elections nowadays.

Not based on the issues.

Not based on the politicians’ credentials.

Not even based on, Heaven forbid, the commercials that plague our television sets months before the next upcoming election.

No, it seems like people go into vote looking simply at the political affiliation of the candidates and voting according to the party they hold.

Some people feel there is a party line they are not allowed to ever cross. That they must simply vote Republican or Democrat because that’s the political party they belong to.

But this is simply not the case.

So, why do people feel constrained to their political party?

People shouldn’t vote based on the political party of the candidates. Rather, they should vote for the person who would best fill the position, whether they be Republican or Democrat, Liberal or Conservative or even Libertarian or Reformed.

When a voter goes into his or her polling place and simply looks at the political affiliation of the candidates, paying no attention to the candidates, issues and beliefs they consider to be important, does the best person for the job really get into office?

Not always.

Just because you’re a Republican or Democrat doesn’t mean the candidate representing your political party is the best choice for the position.

And really, if you’re only reason for picking Joe Smith from the so-and-so party is because you are part of that party yourself, why even vote?

It’s not like you really care.

Honestly, if you did, you would take the time to research the candidates to see if the person you pick is indeed the best choice.

Because political parties are not a good enough reason to vote someone through to office.

The people elected into office can decide the fate of the individual states and the country for years to come, which isn’t a job to be taken lightly or one people should be OK with letting anyone take.

So, the next time you participate in your civic duty to vote, don’t forget to actually look at who you’re voting for and think to yourself, would it actually be someone you would want in office, or just a person you share political affiliation with?

And maybe take some time to actually research the issues and candidates ahead of time, too.