Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concerns over the recent Electoral Commission’s advertisement currently airing on RTÉ. The advert, interestingly, appears to discourage voting rather than inspiring it.
The advertisement employs a metaphor where a young man in a chip shop is shown to lack autonomy in decision-making. His sad departure, unrecognized, ignored and possibly still hungry, creates an ill-conceived analogy to our democratic process I find unsettling.
I would argue that the message conveyed is flawed. This should not, even remotely, be the picture painted of our democracy. One cannot help but wonder whether there were more positive methods through which the importance of participating in elections could have been communicated.
The interpretation deduced from the advertisement – that those feeling marginalised might as well not bother because their voices will inevitably go unheard – is not one I concur with. Every individual, irrespective of their political leanings, should have faith in the transparent electoral system of Ireland, knowing that their voice will be registered.
Just as every vote cast is seen and accounted for, I urge the creators of this advert to observe the procedure during the next elections. Making your voice heard through voting shouldn’t be seen as a confrontational or daunting task, akin to outshouting a rowdy individual in a chip shop. Rather, it should be seen as a gentle and personal exchange between oneself and their voting paper – a simple yet efficacious act.
Kind Regards,
Sarah Farren,
Terenure,
Dublin 6W.