Do you vote?

[Jay!]

Comment if you like...

[freakray]

I used to vote in all elections when I lived in South Africa, it is another 2 years before I can register as a voter in the USA.....

I have a theory that if you have the right to vote and didn't vote, you don't have a right to complain about the person/people who is/are in power, since by not voting you gave up your chance to have a say....

[jon@af]

I will be turning 18 in the not too distant future and I for one will abstain unless there is a candidate that I undoubtably wish to vote for. Because If Im going to vote because "I sorta like that he's for that one issue" than it's for the wrong reason.

[TexasF355F1]

That's a very logical reason man, and I can totally agree with people who don't want to vote for that reason. Those who can and like one canidate over the other and don't vote are just lazy.

[BLU CIVIC]

I DON'T/ DIDN'T B/C OF MY RELIGIOUS BELIEFS....I DON'T KNOW WHY....BUT THAT'S ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE THINGS I'M LOOKING INTO AND FIGURING OUT FOR MYSELF

[freakray]

Originally posted by ILike2DriveCars
Because If Im going to vote because "I sorta like that he's for that one issue" than it's for the wrong reason.

That is a totally respectable position.

In my experience now, in 2 different countries, is that politicians will promise you the earth to get your vote, and once they are in office forget their promises.

A certain governer promised no increases in taxation if he were in office but since being in office he has increased taxes.....what's wrong with that?

Toksin may recall a 1994 election which saw a certain political party promising houses,stoves and washing machines to its supporters, but since in power they have not delivered anything......another empty promise......

[450HPviper]

Don't have the right, not 18.

[YogsVR4]

I've voted in every election that I could have. I think its important to vote but on the same token I also fully support people who don't wish to vote. If they are ok in not having a say in whos in charge then thats their perogative.

[Prelewd]

I think actual voting on certain issues comes with age. You have more first hand experience on certain issues that can rape you financially, or effect traffic, and whatever else. I know that since I have to deal with many of the educational shifts in the electoral sands, I will be voting more locally and regionally. I also feel that, since joining this forum, I have a better understanding of some of the more national and global issues presented in voting days to come.

I think it's too bad elected officials don't have to be held to their promises while campaigning. I also think it's too bad that sometimes you have to break your promises for the good of the people in certain circumstances. Catch-22.

[Jimster]

I am not a resident of Italy, I can't vote.





Although I voted in the 1993, 1996 and 1999 New Zealand elections

[Oz]

Yes, I vote at every election. Mostly because you get fined in Australia if you don't vote - it is illegal. Usually it is just selecting the lesser of all the evils.

And Yogs, how did I know you always voted? I wonder what party you vote for? :finger:

[YogsVR4]

Originally posted by Oz
And Yogs, how did I know you always voted? I wonder what party you vote for? :finger:

You might be surprised. Its not always Republican if thats what you're thinking. I am much more Libertarian and occasionally vote Tax Payers party as well. Although I have not seen one of their canidates worthy of my vote at the presidential level. btw - I have voted for a few Democrats on some local boards because I felt they were better for the job.

[Oz]

Originally posted by YogsVR4


You might be surprised. Its not always Republican if thats what you're thinking. I am much more Libertarian and occasionally vote Tax Payers party as well. Although I have not seen one of their canidates worthy of my vote at the presidential level. btw - I have voted for a few Democrats on some local boards because I felt they were better for the job.

Good to know. A thinking voter...how unusual.

[Toksin]

I missed voting in the most recent election in NZ by a month or two, but even if I was able to, I think I may have abstained since I have no faith in any of the parties. It was that or as Oz says vote for the lesser of the evils.

In NZ you have to register to vote or you get fined, but you don't necessarily have to vote.

And Ray, yeah I remember that election...

[wheel1856]

WARNING: Rant ensuing.

Having a minor in Political Science, and having taught US government for a semester...I just had to drop my two cents.

ALWAYS VOTE!!! always always always. did I say always vote? cause ya should, always. vote. always.

candidates are held to their promises...its called re-election. "Where's that toaster you promised me Senator So 'n' So?" "Don't have it huh?" "Well have fun working at McDonalds, cause you aint gettin re-elected!"

also, dont not vote because you dont like the candidates! Granted, sometimes it comes down to voting for the lesser of the two a**holes, but only because hardly anyone ever votes in the PRIMARY elections! The primaries decide who the candidates are gonna be. Vote in those, campaign for your choice, that way the candidate you want in office is much more likely to be on the ballot for your electing vote.

also, (though no one mentioned this) YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT! everyones does. there are too many people out there who dont vote because they dont think their vote counts. imagine if all those people went out and voted! the difference it would make! sweet jesus! on average (these are slightly old stats) only 15-25% of americans vote in state, local, and federal primaries. then only 45-55% votes in the same actual elections. ever notice how a school levy always passes the second time its put up, thats cause nobody goes to vote for it except those campaigning to pass it, school levies are always reballoted because of voter apathy - us teacher folk bank on it...literally.

Im sad to hear that Australia and New Zealand have to impose fines to get people to vote, in a way its great, because everyone has a say, and has to have one. Its such an important right that its sad so many take it for granted. World wars, invasions, rebellions, civil wars, and revolutions have been faught throughout history so that people can have a say in how they are governed and live their lives. Only now that we have it, so many take it for granted, and cant be bothered to leave the house 5 minutes earlier to vote before a now 10 hour workday because of government regulations and tax hikes. hmmm


ok ok ok....whew. Im done, I warned ya. just my $.02 (well maybe $.03)
-wheel