A new voter

I'm not really into politics as I've observed sometimes politics bring more harms than goods, but since for the next election I will be an eligible voter, I think I ought to do some research, so that I will be an informed voter and be ready enough to cast my valuable vote. But the event that took place yesterday (10-11-07) really shook (shake) my confidence toward our system.. When our freedom and right to voice out our opinion and frustration were (are) being stifled, and an initially peaceful rally being provoked, can I really cast my vote with ease?...