OT - VOTE!!! - (US Citizens)

[Dr Midnight]

I've never voted, and don't care to. I have yet to hear a convincing argument on why I should... to pay respects to people who died for my RIGHT to vote is so far the most convincing, but just not enough.

1. I'm uninformed on any issues and candidates. Uninformed voters give a shrug vote based on whose campaign had the most attractive lawn signs. That's much worse than not voting, in my opinion.

2. I don't care to BECOME informed on any issues and candidates. Whichever rich white guy's son win the popularity contest, it probably won't affect me in any appreciable way. If some new tax comes or goes, I'll deal with it.

3. I really don't believe one vote makes a difference. I know this is the cry of the apathetic voter everywhere, and is decried by the "Vote you morons!" crowd, but really, c'mon. Hard fact: one person's vote is a drop in a very big bucket.

To sum up, I'm very happy we have an electoral process in the U.S., but I choose to not use it. I'll leave it for the people who know what they're doing.

Now, proceed to blast away at me.

 

[Maerdwyn]

Well, Doc, I'm in favor of pepole getting involved with their government, but as long as you're happy to live by whatever we voters decide, I support your decision to abstain.

Can't really elaborate too much withou getting farther into politics than this board allows, but suffice to say, the fewer uniformed and disinterested people vote, the more my vote counts. In the 2000 election my vote spoke for about three Californians. Today it should speak for about seven

 

[Crothian]

I always vote

 

[Wolfen Priest]

Now, proceed to blast away at me.

Nope. I also, am actually excercising my right (as opposed to simply sloth) not to vote. But for slightly different reasons. I used to hate non-voters, but now my apathy for American politics has reached new depths within me, and I feel differently.

To say that we (Americans) live in a Democracy is both misleading and deceptive. Our "right" to vote extends only as far as the "packaged" parcels of literally bought polictical candidates, who are FAR more loyal to their lobbyists than they are to the actual voters.

My fellow Americans, when you cast your vote, be well aware that you are buying into a "package-deal." It's like getting a free dump-truck, but one that is brimming over with fecal material. The two go hand in hand. This 'representative' who we elect then casts votes in congress or the Senate to appease his/her supporters (read: contributors); nothing more.

If you, like me, disagree with HALF of what EACH candidate stands for, do what I'm doing (for the first time ever): don't vote. This message was brought to you by the committee of Disillusioned American Citizens.

 

[Maraxle]

Personally, until the electoral college is abolished, I will never vote for a president. When I lived in a small state, I knew that my vote was futile, as it did not count as much as someone in California or some other large state. Also, as I recently moved to a new state, I do not feel informed enough to vote for the governor or reps here this time around.

 

[Enkhidu]

3. I really don't believe one vote makes a difference. I know this is the cry of the apathetic voter everywhere, and is decried by the "Vote you morons!" crowd, but really, c'mon. Hard fact: one person's vote is a drop in a very big bucket.

Hey Doc!

Well, I used to believe the way you did - that one vote doesn't really count. In fact, I actually watched one election rather closely to prove it to myself.

Know what I found out? That statement is absolutely right... in federal campaigns, and even in state elections.

But it is not true, not even one little bit, in local politics.

This year, I was number voter 131 in my precinct, at noon. The way I figure it, there might be 300 to 400 at the voted tallied there by the end of the day, and its the only precinct in my little township.

So, my vote for Ohio Senate won't really count a whit, but my vote on the local school levy, well, that might be the vote that swings the issue. 1 vote out of a several million (in state races), or even several thousand (like the county elections) may not be much, but 1 vote out of less than 1000? That speaks volumes.

And that is why I vote.

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

Personally, until the electoral college is abolished, I will never vote for a president. When I lived in a small state, I knew that my vote was futile, as it did not count as much as someone in California or some other large state. Also, as I recently moved to a new state, I do not feel informed enough to vote for the governor or reps here this time around.

And you're completely wrong. Your vote, in a smaller state, actually counts for MORE than a Californian's vote. The number of electors is determined by the number of senators plus the number of representatives. Since every state has two senators and at least one representative, the smaller states tend to be overrepresentted. That is, a state will have at least 3 electoral votes, when based on population alone it might only be entitled to one.

For example, in 1988 the voting population of the 7 smallest states (Alaska, Delaware, DC, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming) was around 3.1 million, with a total of 21 electoral votes. The population of Florida was around 9 million, also with a total of 21 electoral votes. Thus, each voter in those smaller states counted for about 3 Florida voters.

You should read up more on the electoral college, it's actually a pretty well-designed system.

http://www.fec.gov/pdf/eleccoll.pdf

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

Hey Doc!

Well, I used to believe the way you did - that one vote doesn't really count. In fact, I actually watched one election rather closely to prove it to myself.

Know what I found out? That statement is absolutely right... in federal campaigns, and even in state elections.

But it is not true, not even one little bit, in local politics.

This year, I was number voter 131 in my precinct, at noon. The way I figure it, there might be 300 to 400 at the voted tallied there by the end of the day, and its the only precinct in my little township.

So, my vote for Ohio Senate won't really count a whit, but my vote on the local school levy, well, that might be the vote that swings the issue. 1 vote out of a several million (in state races), or even several thousand (like the county elections) may not be much, but 1 vote out of less than 1000? That speaks volumes.

And that is why I vote.

You're absolutely right, one vote is extremely important in local politics. Also, if you want voting to affect your daily life, local politics is the place to be concerned. It really doesn't make much difference in the grand scheme of things whether the federal government raises the subsidy for pork by-products by a tenth of a penny. But you'd better believe it matters when some city councilman passes a law that lets your elderly neighbors mow their lawn at 5 in the morning on saturdays

 

[KnowTheToe]

Meepo

I just read you sig line. May I say very funny and AMEN!

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

Meepo

I just read you sig line. May I say very funny and AMEN!

Thanks, but I didn't come up with it.