No Votes For Sale

The Editor,
The Anguillian

Dear Sir:

NO VOTES FOR SALE

In every election in Anguilla there are tales about politicians on both sides of the fence paying for votes in one fashion or another but, from my observations, it is some people on the island who tempt the politicians to exchange favours for votes.

I have heard some very disgraceful statements from people, young and old, who are eligible voters and it makes me sick. Some of the phrases I heard go like this: “dem aint getting my vote unless they give me something for it”; “I aint voting because they didn’t put me on a board”; “Anybody wants my vote got to pay me for it”; “This election aint going to pass without I getting some good money”; “I am not voting to make them rich at my expense”.

Mr. Editor, I can go on and on. I think just as the Bible says that many of our people are lovers of money (and other material things) and would sell their soul for what they can get. Anybody who wants money or “things” for their vote should be ashamed. Their vote is a sacred right and a contribution to the leadership of their island and cannot be sold or bought. It can only be honestly sought and freely given.

A voter who offers his vote for a price is worse than the politician because a snare is being set for that would be leader who, if weak, falls prey to the enticement.

I am convinced that some of our voters are the real persons to watch when an election comes around. They put the politicians in a funny position by demanding payment for votes. It takes strong and upright men and women to walk away from the temptation and to condemn those making the offer. Likewise, no politician must offer to pay anyone for votes. There must be no votes for sale.

Upright Voter