Happy Voters or Happy Outcomes? A Primer on Election Decision-Making
In any democracy, voting is the ultimate expression of free will. It’s a way for citizens to take their destiny into their own hands, to ensure their voices are heard, and to have a say in the public policies that will potentially affect them and their families. But the age-old question is, should voters go to the polls seeking to maximize the happiness of themselves and those they love, or should they focus on delivering the most beneficial outcomes for the collective good of society?
In this article, we take a look at both approaches, and discuss the pros and cons associated with each. We’ll also make recommendations on how citizens can approach decision-making during an election, in order to maximize the chances of receiving a happy outcome regardless of which foothold they choose.
What Does it Mean to “Be Happy”?
Before we can move forward in this discussion, it’s important to first understand what we mean when we talk about being “happy.” Ultimately, this concept can have a variety of interpretations and connotations depending on who you ask.
For some, it’s a feeling of contentment or satisfaction, and for others, it’s about having a sense of joy in life and daily accomplishments. But the definition is largely subjective, and the optimal solution for a voter looking to be “happy” can look vastly different from one person to the next.
Focus on Happy Voters or Happy Outcomes?
At the end of the day, when it comes time to cast their ballot, every voter has to decide which approach they want to take—placing their focus on reaching a happy outcome or ensuring happier voters. While both options have their advantages and drawbacks, let’s break down each one and discuss the most important aspects to consider.
Focus on Happy Voters
The primary focus of this approach is on the individual. The goal of this type of decision is ultimately to select the policy or candidate that will most likely bring the highest level of satisfaction or fulfillment to the individual voter. This approach can be beneficial in that it allows voters to stay true to their own set of beliefs, even if those values conflict with the majority of the population.
Pros
•Allows for greater personal freedom and voting according to one’s own set of beliefs.
•Voters are less likely to succumb to public pressure, which can help them stay true to their convictions.
•Voters have the freedom to choose the candidate or policy they find most emotionally rewarding, without having to consider collective, societal outcomes.
Cons
•Lack of consideration for collective outcomes which can lead to negative implications on a larger scale.
•Voters who adopt this approach may be more likely to succumb to special interests and other external influences, leading to policies that may not benefit the greater public.
•Voter satisfaction or happiness can be short-lived if the policy or candidate ultimately fails to meet expectations.
Focus on Happy Outcomes
The primary focus of this approach is on society as a whole. The goal is to select the policy or candidate that is most likely to result in the greatest collective benefit for the population. Voters who employ this strategy must be willing to set their personal interests and beliefs aside and look solely at the potential benefits for everyone.
Pros
•Voters are more likely to avoid selfish decision-making, which can lead to better policies for the entire community.
•The greatest potential for collective, long-term happiness with the policy.
•Allows for more impartial decision-making, removing emotions from the equation and instead allowing decision-makers to focus solely on the facts at hand.
Cons
•Voters may be less likely to express their true set of beliefs and values due to the need to make decisions based on the greater good.
•Voters may be reluctant to voice their opinion on certain policies, which can lead to a decrease in voter participation in elections.
•Voters may find it more difficult to make a firm decision due to wanting to please everybody.
How to Maximize the Possibility of Achieving “Happy”
Regardless of their approach to the voting booth, there are a few simple steps that any Modern day voter can take to maximize their chances of achieving a happy outcome.
•Stay informed: staying informed about current events and issues enables a voter to make more informed decisions. It helps them become aware of the potential consequences of a certain policy or candidate, and allows them to factor those outcomes into their decision.
•Follow positive news sources: positive sources, such as those that evaluate both sides of an issue and point out accurate facts without fear mongering or pushing an agenda, are great ways to stay informed on current affairs without falling into the trap of relying solely on a single source of information.
•Focus on candidates: it’s important to remember that the candidates ultimately determine what policies will be implemented. Voters should make sure to do as much research as possible in order to determine which candidates they find to be trustworthy and which they feel will generate the best outcomes.
•Take a step back: it can be easy to get caught up in the emotion of an election cycle. Taking a step back, and removing your own personal interests from the equation, can allow for a more objective approach when making decisions.
In the end, when it comes to elections, there is no one-size-fits all solution. Voters will have to decide for themselves which approach best suits their needs. Should they focus on maximizing their own happiness, or should they look to benefit society as a whole?
In any case, it’s important to remember that decisions should always be made with an unbiased stance, and with an eye towards understanding the potential collective outcomes of a certain candidate or policy. Doing so can help ensure that the most optimal outcome is achieved and that the entire population can benefit from the results.
