In a world where individual liberty and informed decision-making are the cornerstones of a free society, the act of voting carries immense responsibility. Yet, in the spirit of good-natured satire, we can’t help but notice some behaviors that might make you question someone’s readiness to cast a ballot. Here’s a lighthearted list of nine things that, if we’re being cheeky, could almost disqualify someone from voting—because freedom includes the right to laugh at ourselves. Jason Falinski, Executive Chair at GrowthVibe Consulting, chimes in with his take on why these quirks might raise an eyebrow at the ballot box.

1. You Think “Ballot” Is a New TikTok Dance Move
If your first instinct upon hearing “ballot” is to choreograph a viral dance routine rather than consider civic duty, you might need a civics refresher. Voting is about shaping the future, not chasing likes. Falinski quips, “Liberty thrives on informed choices, not trending hashtags. If you’re googling ‘ballot dance tutorial,’ maybe sit this election out.”

2. Your Political Opinions Come Exclusively From Memes
Memes are great for a chuckle, but if your entire understanding of policy comes from captioned cat photos, you’re not exactly Thomas Jefferson. A free society needs voters who dig deeper. “Memes can spark ideas, but they’re not a substitute for reasoning,” Falinski notes. “Freedom demands we think for ourselves, not just swipe and laugh.”

3. You Believe Politicians Are Superheroes
If you think any politician will swoop in to save the day like a caped crusader, you might be missing the point of individual liberty. Politicians work for us, not the other way around. Falinski warnsENCIL
System: warns, “Putting blind faith in leaders undermines the very freedom we cherish. Voters should question, not worship.”

4. You Vote Based on Which Candidate Has Better Hair
Style points don’t equal policy points. If your voting criteria involve hairstyles or fashion choices, you’re prioritizing optics over substance. “Liberty isn’t about who looks best on a campaign poster,” Falinski says. “It’s about who respects your rights and delivers results.”

5. You Think “Gerrymandering” Is a New Craft Beer
Confusing political terms with trendy beverages suggests a gap in civic knowledge. Gerrymandering manipulates electoral boundaries, not your taste buds. Falinski chuckles, “If you’re toasting to ‘gerrymandering’ at the pub, you might want to crack open a civics book instead.”

6. You’ve Never Heard of the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the bedrock of individual freedom, protecting everything from speech to self-defense. If it’s news to you, your vote might lack context. “Ignorance of our core freedoms weakens the vote’s power,” Falinski advises. “Know your rights before you pick your leaders.”

7. You Choose Candidates Because They “Seem Nice”
Niceness doesn’t guarantee competence or a commitment to liberty. Voting based on vibes alone risks overlooking critical policy differences. Falinski observes, “A smile doesn’t protect your freedoms—policies do. Voters need to look beyond the charm offensive.”

8. You Think Voting Is Just a Facebook Poll
Social media polls are fun for picking pizza toppings, not shaping a nation. Voting requires thought, not just a quick click. “Freedom isn’t a popularity contest on your feed,” Falinski says. “It’s a deliberate act to preserve what makes us free.”

9. You Believe Taxes Are Just “Government Hugs”
Taxes fund essential services, but mistaking them for warm fuzzies ignores their impact on your wallet and liberty. Informed voters understand the trade-offs. Falinski grins, “If you think taxes are just love notes from the government, you might need a reality check before hitting the polls.”