Voting is one of the most important rights in our democracy. It is a right that every citizen, regardless of race and religion, has always had since the first presidential election in 1789. However, there are many misconceptions about voting which you may not know about until now! For example, presidential candidates are allowed to participate in elections, and also they cast their votes just like regular voters.
Making a bid to be elected president indicates that a candidate has confidence in their ability to head a nation and compete against other candidates. It is noted that “Because running for office in the US does not eliminate a candidate’s right to vote. There is no law stopping candidates from voting in the election” [Source].
When it comes to voting for themselves, presidential candidates can do so in many parts of the world. As long as a person is deemed a registered voter, they can vote for any candidate on the ballot paper [Source].
Because presidential candidates can vote, one would automatically think they will vote for themselves to aid their chances of winning the elections. Since every candidate believes to be the perfect fit in the high office, they have to vote for themselves. It will be absurd to see a presidential candidate voting for an opponent in an election.
Internal elections are conducted throughout the campaign to choose individuals to represent the party in general elections. After winning these byelections, a candidate will proceed to compete with other candidates from other parties. If one is not confident enough to enter the presidential race against other political parties, then that person can nominate another candidate. Because of this, those who make it to the presidential race will be prepared to lead, and they usually vote for themselves.
However, history shows otherwise in relation to presidential candidates voting for themselves. It is recorded that Zachary Taylor, who served as the US’s 12th president, was a humble man who shocked people who were voting in elections he was competing in. Taylor did not see it necessary to vote for himself, and records show that “He didn’t think it was right to vote for himself, even for president” [Source]. Instead of casting a vote in his favor for the presidential position, he voted for Lewis Cass, a Democrat candidate vying for the presidential office. Taylor ended up winning the elections and was elected as America’s president.
In the US, “Presidential candidates are absolutely free to vote for… well, technically, to vote for the slate of electors advanced by their party and campaign committee to vote for them when the Electoral College participants cast their votes in the state”. In other instances, presidential candidates are not found on ballots papers in their cities, so they cannot vote for themselves.
Usually, when presidential candidates cast their votes, they are televised with many media houses present. Votes are cast on a private ballot, so no one is certain on whether candidates votes for themselves [Source]. But an onlooker might argue that candidates obviously vote for themselves since they believe in their vision and political worldview.
