Voters go to the polls to study and select the list of candidates to vote for. Photo: Ngoc Hoa

Some people carefully read the list, while others just glance at it and quickly cross out the names they don't want. A single stroke of the pen is all it takes, because the essence of the action is called "crossing out."

I was about to do the same when I noticed a corner of the table. A young woman was carefully placing a small ruler on the ballot and drawing straight lines to cross out the delegates she wasn't voting for. Her movements were slow and steady, a stark contrast to the hurried pace of many around her.

Looking closely, I realized it was a former student. Just a few years ago, she was sitting in my literature class, her notebooks still smelling of fresh paper, and now she's grown up, graduated from university, and returned to her hometown to work. I jokingly asked her:

Why do you need to use such a complicated ruler, dear?

The girl smiled very naturally:

Yes, even crossing out words requires respect, sir.

That brief answer surprised me. Actually, many people, when casting their ballots, think of crossing out a name as just a technical operation. If you don't choose someone, just cross it out. But for that young woman, that action took on a different meaning: Even if you don't vote for someone, you still need to maintain a respectful attitude.

Thinking about it carefully, that's not unreasonable.

Those named in the list of candidates for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term are all individuals who have been nominated and enjoy a certain level of trust. They are also people who wish to contribute to the community. The fact that voters did not choose them is simply a comparison, a consideration among many names. Not being chosen does not mean they are not good, but simply that they were not the most suitable candidates to meet the voters' expectations at that time.

Therefore, the way someone crosses out a question on a ballot, however small, reflects the attitude of the person writing it.

In Vietnamese culture, respect has always been considered a beautiful standard. Respect is not only shown in major events, but also in the smallest actions of life. A gentle word, a measured demeanor, or simply a neat stroke of the pen can all demonstrate a person's civility.

The image of the girl using a ruler to cross out her name on the ballot reminded me of lessons from my school days. When teaching students, teachers often talked a lot about compassion, kindness, and responsibility to the community. These things sometimes sound grand, but in reality, they are nurtured through very simple actions.

Perhaps many years ago, in a lesson about manners, that student heard about respecting others. Now, as an adult, that lesson subtly manifests itself in the way she holds her pen.

What is commendable is that today's young generation is gradually developing a very humane perspective. They understand that the right to choose is their right, but exercising that right also requires culture. Respecting others is not only about agreeing with them, but also about not choosing them.

From a broader perspective, that small story also prompts reflection on democratic culture. A democratic society is not built solely on transparent regulations or electoral processes. It is also built on the awareness of each citizen when participating in common activities. When each person knows how to think, consider, and behave in a cultured manner, democratic values ​​will truly endure.

The small ruler in the girl's hand that day might have been just an ordinary object. But in that moment, it became a beautiful symbol of carefulness and respect. Just a neat stroke, but behind it was an attitude: whether to choose or not, to maintain dignity towards others.

After casting her vote, the girl carefully folded the ballot and put it in the ballot box. She greeted me with a simple smile. Perhaps for her, using a ruler to cross out her ballot was just a small habit. But for me, it was a thought-provoking lesson.

In life, people sometimes focus on grand gestures and forget that the beauty of society is created from very small actions. A person picking up trash on the street, someone giving up their seat on the bus, or a girl using a ruler to cross out a question on a ballot… all demonstrate human consciousness and kindness.

Leaving the polling station, my student's words still echoed in my mind: "Even crossing out a ballot requires respect."

It's not just about crossing out a name on a ballot. It's also about how each person expresses their attitude towards the community. And sometimes, it's precisely from those neat little crosses that one realizes a simple truth: the civilization of society begins with small but heartfelt actions.

Ngo Cong Tan

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/gach-bo-trong-tran-trong-164151.html