As Samoa heads toward the polls, the importance of voting is on the minds of many across the country. People are speaking up about why their vote matters—not just for themselves, but for the future of families, children, and the nation.

Lisa Vaea, 27, from Vaitele-Fou, says, "Voting is your right. The importance of voting for me is that I aim to elect a candidate who I believe has the integrity to serve the nation and secure a better future for families. Not only that, but also for the younger generations to see the importance of voting in elections for good governance."

Tapu Siliako, from Matautu Lefaga and Faasaleleaga Savaii, added, "Thank you for the question; it is not an easy question, but it is an important question. Your vote matters because it is a right to vote, a right we should use to see who we think best fits to serve our country and to have a positive impact on future generations, and if it fails, that is on you because you did not vote."

For some, voting is about change. Martha Finau, also from Vaitele-Fou, said, "My vote matters because I want to see change for our country, not only our country, but for children and families."

Faufalega Sauao, 54, from Mulifanua, takes a practical view. "I know everyone has different views and opinions, but for me, I am not voting because a candidate has given me this or that, but because it is my right to have a say. My vote matters because I want to see a stable government. There is no point in all these people contesting and causing chaos; we need a stable government."

Katalina, 30, simply siad, "Voting is important because then people will continue to benefit from it to take care of their children and families." Ruta, 34, from Fasitoo Tai, agrees, stating, "My vote matters because then we have a say on our next leaders for the years to come."

Upelilo Talavine said, "My vote matters so that I can help our country to make a change."

And Tesarina, 28, from Vaimoso, looks toward the future: "My vote matters because i would like to see the benefits that are to come for our country when there is new governance. I want to see change, especially some of the new laws I have heard that will be new to our country."