The Sunday Stoic: On why we should vote

Are you ready to vote? With election season coming to an end, our lawns are lined by signs, mailboxes are full with flyers, and social media is buzzing with updates. Maybe you’re confident in your choice, or maybe you’re still deciding. With so much noise, it’s natural to wonder—does one vote really matter? Here’s the truth: in the United States, a democratic republic, voting combines the idea of giving people a voice—with the structure of a republic, where elected representatives make decisions. This way, we don’t have to vote on every single issue ourselves. Instead, we choose leaders who reflect our priorities to handle the big decisions. So, when we vote, we’re adding our voice to a system that’s built to listen. So, why miss out on this important occasion?

Let’s be honest—voting can feel like a big responsibility. Choosing leaders who’ll shape our future is no small task, and feeling a bit overwhelmed is totally normal. But at its core, voting is both a right and an obligation - thanks to key amendments like the 15th, 19th, and 26th, every citizen over 18, regardless of race or gender, has a say in our country’s direction. So, how do we make these choices without stressing too much? The Stoics have a helpful concept called kathekon, or “doing our duty.” We might not have all the answers, and no candidate is perfect, but our role is simply to make the best choice we can. One practical approach? Look at how candidates have handled real issues before—it’s a solid guide for what they might do in the future.

Elections can get emotional; we’ve all seen it. Many of us have had tense political moments with family or friends, or even unfollowed or blocked people online over heated debates. This is where the Stoic idea of sophrosyne, or self-control, comes in handy. The Stoics valued staying calm and grounded, especially when things got intense. After all, our relationships often last longer than any election season, so keeping those connections strong can be far more valuable than winning a one-day argument. We can still share our views respectfully, keeping both our peace and our relationships intact.

There’s a Greek term, metabolé, that means “change”—and it’s a constant in life. Voting is one way we can help shape that change on a larger scale. Even small increases in voter turnout can shift policy direction. In the last U.S. election, over 159 million Americans voted—a record turnout! Now, in 2024, whether our chosen candidates win or not, each vote adds to a collective push for change, shaping the pace and direction of our future. So regardless of the outcome, voting keeps the momentum going, making each choice matter in the ongoing story of change.

After we cast our votes, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious about what comes next. Stoicism offers us apatheia, or peaceful detachment, encouraging us to focus on what we can control—like showing up to vote—and to release what we can’t, like the final results. Similarly, sva-dharma reminds us to fulfill our duty and then let go. Acting with intention keeps us grounded, knowing we’ve done our part. There’s also wu wei, often translated as “effortless action” or “going with the flow.” Wu wei teaches that once we’ve taken mindful action, we don’t need to strain ourselves over the outcome. By practicing these simple ideas, we release the need for control, trusting that our effort has contributed to a greater whole.

In closing, elections are all about the power of voting, and when they’re over, life keeps moving. As always, the sun will rise, birds will fly, and we’ll have fresh ideas and new people working to make things better. Every vote, win or lose, contributes to the values we share as citizens. Casting your vote is like planting a seed—our voices may start small, but any one of them can grow into something big. So, as election day approaches, let’s stay calm and focused. Remember: every vote counts, including yours. Why miss out? Let’s get out there, cast our one vote, and make our one voice count.

"...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." - Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, delivered 1863.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this essay are mine alone and don’t represent those of any individuals, employers, or organizations I’m associated with. Studying Stoicism and other philosophies is a personal hobby that I pursue in my own time to improve my thinking. I’m not a professional writer or illustrator, so I’ve used some online tools, to help illustrate and express my thoughts more clearly. My goal is simply to share ideas, not to impress. I don’t claim to be more knowledgeable than others—we’re all figuring things out on our own. If you have thoughts on how Stoicism applies to everyday life, I’d love to hear from you via LinkedIn. If you found this essay useful, feel free to share it with others