What is the strongest weapon that citizens can use to advance political views? It’s the vote. The owners of a democratic state are its citizens. Politics influenced by individual citizens has caused widespread social repercussions in Korea nowadays. At this point in time, the issue of low voter turnout should have light shone upon it. Many Koreans realized that citizens’ interest and wonder toward politics is very important. Surprisingly, Korea has the lowest turnout of voters among OECD countries. Furthermore, turnout in Korea is lower than the past. Low turnout of voters can threaten the foundation of democracy. The first step of democracy is voting. As the start line of democracy is the vote; voting is significant in Korea. However, most Koreans cannot realize the importance of voting because they do not directly acknowledge the influence of voting. Low turnout of voters can evoke the following results. First, it can make the basis of democracy “Rule by the majority” impossible. Most of the elected people in Korean politics have the support of about 30% of its citizens. Especially, the presidential election has attracted more concern compared to other elections, but Koreans are indifferent to the elections of members for the National Assembly. The National Assembly should speak for its citizens’ opinions, but the members are not acknowledged by the citizens themselves. Therefore, it is difficult for the National Assembly to reflect citizens’ opinions well. Second, there is high probability that a specific class can dominate the representatives. Also, a government which tries to fulfill only benefits of the privileged class can emerge. This can bring about intense inequality in socio-economic situations. The argument has also appeared that Koreans who don’t participate in voting should pay a fine. As such, low voter turnout is a serious social problem in Korea. The opinions of the majority should be delivered precisely to politicians to keep the rule by majority. Recognizing ourselves that voting is the strongest weapon we can wield in politics is needed. Also, advertisements encouraging voting are necessary, as are laws that can coordinate laborers’ worktime for voting. Adjustment processes for citizens who don’t have time to vote should be prepared to increase turnout of voters in Korea.
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