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Everyone has dignity but not everyone has a depth to their dignity. That truth is highlighted categorically by the actions, and inaction, of our government’s elected leaders.

Hawaii has the dubious distinction of ranking among the lowest in the country for voter turnout. That apathy can be changed when voters awaken their own dignity and know that by voting they can also awaken the dignity of politicians.

To say that someone needs to awaken their dignity is not intended as a harsh, negative personal judgment. Rather, it is an observation and a suggestion that a positive change needs to be made.

Individuals and elected leaders alike may not even be cognizant that their actions or inaction are harming others.

Changing the political culture in Hawaii for the better requires, first, a change in ourselves.

Oftentimes, pausing and examining our own dignity occurs at a time that can be referred to as a “defining moment.”

For me personally, that defining moment occurred when I was first awakened (no pun intended) by the way-too-early morning trash pickup of private refuse haulers, as early as 3 a.m., and discovering that there is no law to protect keiki to kupuna from this harmful daily activity that has been impacting their physical and mental health.

Not only did I need to look at my own understanding of dignity, but I also needed to gain an understanding of the dignity of those who both cause and allow the harmful activity.

In the primary election on Aug. 10, and in the general election on Nov. 5, use your own dignity as one of the basis for your voting decisions.

An individual’s understanding of the concept of dignity can range from the basic definition in the dictionary (honorable quality or worthiness, according to Webster’s New World Dictionary and Thesaurus) to a more in-depth understanding of its meaning — whatever understanding you have of dignity is right for you.

In my understanding, dignity flows from the avenues of its components:

• Valued Self. Comprises self-awareness, self-worth, self-esteem, self-love, self-confidence, self-respect and self-realization.
• Intensity. Involves wisdom, and being focused and patient.
• Strength of Character. Derived from not only having ideals and principles but, more importantly, from putting those ideals and principles into action.
• Consciousness. A system of beliefs and attitudes, thoughts and feelings, choices and decisions, as well as desire, imagination and expectation.
• Spirituality. One’s sacred understanding of the meaning of spirit and soul.
• Freedom. A force inside of you that challenges you to become more of who you are.   

In the upcoming elections, there are contests in which incumbents have no opposition. If you have been dissatisfied with their depth of dignity, leave the box next to their names blank on your ballot. If you are satisfied with their depth of dignity, vote for them.

Either way, uncontested politicians will get the message.

In contests where there is competition, assess the dignity of each candidate. For example, who exemplifies strength of character, such as the principle of integrity, which is spontaneous, and habitual honesty and responsibility? Who shows a deeper level of respect, caring, compassion and love for others?

With the power of your own dignity, you can create a new future for this generation and generations to come. Vote.