Elizabeth May Quotes

Only a knowledgeable, empowered and vocal citizenry can perform well in democracy.

You can't be a full participant in our democracy if you don't know our history.

There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.

The first duty of an American citizen, then is that he shall work in politics.

Citizens are refined, cultivated, and very political. I believe in the legitimacy of their participation.

The American Government will be what we all make of it.

The Constitution is worth saving, the rule of law is worth saving, democracy is worth saving, but these things can and will be lost if everyone waits around for someone else.

The job of a citizen is to keep his mouth open.

You need to remind people that you vote, you matter, and that they can't succeed without your help.

I always preach that you have to be active as a citizen no matter what, and some people just voting as an excuse not to do anything.

I do feel, in a sense, the rules of engagement for citizenship has changed, and we must encourage other people to speak up and to take action.

A constitutional democracy is in serious trouble if its citizenry does not have a certain degree of education and civic virtue.

Being a citizen in a democracy involves more than just voting. It means being involved for the common whole.

For America to work, Americans have to participate. If they don’t pay attention, they’re going to get screwed.

I want Americans to realize that we are the owners of this country, and that one person can make a difference.

Voting is how we participate in a civic society - be it for president, be it for a municipal election. It's the way we teach our children - in school elections - how to be citizens, and the importance of their voice.

I believe that when you provide information to people, they become less fearful and they will engage more in their democracy if they are empowered with information.

We didn't move here so I could save American democracy. But I've embraced it with the zeal of a convert.

We need democracy - but right now democracy needs us! It needs self-assured citizens who have confidence and drive, common sense and decency, and who show solidarity with others.

We are not exercising our democratic rights properly. We need to stop looking for solutions in others.

Would I get into politics? I'll just say what I tell people when they ask me this: Pray that everyday citizens like me aren't pushed to that corner.

Good citizenship and defending democracy means living up to the ideals and values that make this country great.

Our culture is at a critical cusp - a time that requires that we define what it means to be a citizen in a democracy. Within our nation we need to foster a greater sense of collective responsibility.

I don't normally vote. I'm lazy and I never bought into the 'Every vote counts.'

But, you know, I'm sorry, I think democracy requires participation. I mean, I don't want to proselytize but I do feel some sort of duty to participate in the process in some way other than just blindly getting behind a political party.