Whichever candidate takes office in January will have plenty of people to thank, most notably the Americans who voted him into office. But more than a third of us won’t have participated. Less than 60 percent of registered voters have shown up to cast ballots in recent presidential elections, and attendance at midterm and local elections ranges from five to 40 percent — certainly not encouraging figures for those who value democratic participation.

Low voter turnout has been a point of complaint for spirited citizens for decades. Civil-minded types will point to dismal returns from the ballot box as a failure to perform basic civil duties. This is especially true at crucial local and state elections where a single vote carries much more weight than one vote in large national elections.

But registered voters staying home may be a sign of an improving and established democracy rather than a failing one.

On Nov. 6, millions of Americans will perform their “duties” and walk out of a polling place proudly displaying an “I Voted” sticker, proving to their communities that they care about their country. The Get Out the Vote and voter registration drives sprout up across the country in election years to preach that regardless who you cast a ballot for, showing up to the polls is positive.

It’s not negative to feel good about participating in government or influencing others to do so, but isn’t strange that a major motivation for influencing elections is personal pride?

More importantly, we should question whether pushing citizens to the polls at all costs is truly beneficial to our democracy.

Every vote casted should be made by an educated and informed citizen who has a stake in the effect of their selection. The most inconsistent voters, those who show up to one election but not another, are also the most likely to be less educated voters.

There are two reasons why low voter turnout can actually benefit government and even representation.

First, those who aren’t motivated to show up to the polls are unlikely to be educated on or have an opinion about the issues and candidates on the ballot. Sure, apathy is never a good thing, but is ignorantly casting votes any better? Just the opposite: it’s worse.

Second, voting on any and every issue as a matter of civic duty means that voters will inevitably select between options on policy or platforms that don’t affect their lives, diluting the weight of every vote cast by an affected citizen.

In some cases, this is okay; an educated voter can choose an option likely to benefit the whole of society. However, in most instances, an unaffected voter will find it hard to understand the reach of their vote and how they are changing other citizen’s lives.

Voting is a citizen’s right, not a duty. Those who choose to vote, however, ought to understand the civic duty of being an informed voter. There are no points for bubbling in ballot choices without researching their meaning.

Sooners, show up to the polls this November. Being involved can, and should, be absolutely positive. Show up prepared and for the right reasons and you will be part of the most important part of our democratic system.

But, afterward, understand that the “I Voted” sticker on your chest doesn’t tell the whole story. Maybe that sticker should include a modifier in the form of an asterisk:

“I voted*

*responsibly.”