Photo/Illutration Residents cast early votes at a polling station in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Oct. 21. (Tatsuo Kanai)

When I hold a ballot, a certain scene I saw in the past comes to mind. It was about 10 years ago when I was covering elections in China.

As I wanted to see people actually cast ballots at the polls, I consulted with a friend who suggested, "Why don't you come and vote with me?" I was allowed into the polling station as an attendant.

It was an election to choose local representatives for a district in Beijing. 

Between the place where ballots were handed out to voters and the ballot box, there was a consultation corner where a female officer bearing a smile approached me and advised, "I suggest you vote for this person," pointing to the name of a single candidate.

In China, one cannot freely stand for election and candidates are hardly allowed to conduct any election campaigns. Therefore, many voters come to the polling stations without knowing the candidates and are advised on the spot on whom to cast their votes for.

The word "farce" vividly came to mind, and I couldn't help but laugh. What kind of election is it, where there are only candidates approved by the authorities and voting for a particular individual among them is further recommended?

An ancient saying goes, "Whatever the people want, heaven will surely obey,” but "with this, there's nothing you can really choose," I thought. My friend also gave a wry smile.

In comparison, when I think about elections in Japan, despite many issues, it is a deeply important and precious system. Since it is something that we should cherish, I am concerned about the low voter turnout these days.

Democracy and freedom are akin to air. We tend to take them for granted, but it is too late to realize their vital importance when we lose them.

Oct. 27 is the voting and vote-counting day for the Lower House election. With a growing number of people voting early, it could be said to be the final day for casting ballots.

I voted on Oct. 26. Standing in front of the ballot, I straightened my back and gripped the pencil tightly.

—The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 27

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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