Voter participation - what is your stance?

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Comments

  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,668
    edited March 2016
    Of course I vote, because...
    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • rgambs
    rgambs Posts: 13,576
    Of course I vote, because...
    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I completely agree. There is no progress to be gained from spoiling.
    11,000 does send a message, but it's a message that will never, ever get through to enact change.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • HesCalledDyer
    HesCalledDyer Maryland Posts: 16,491
    I am undecided, because...
    I would LOVE a no preference box! That is EXACTLY the "choice" I've been talking about!
    Star Lake 00 / Pittsburgh 03 / State College 03 / Bristow 03 / Cleveland 06 / Camden II 06 / DC 08 / Pittsburgh 13 / Baltimore 13 / Charlottesville 13 / Cincinnati 14 / St. Paul 14 / Hampton 16 / Wrigley I 16 / Wrigley II 16 / Baltimore 20 / Camden 22 / Baltimore 24 / Raleigh I 25 / Raleigh II 25 / Pittsburgh I 25
  • HesCalledDyer
    HesCalledDyer Maryland Posts: 16,491
    I am undecided, because...
    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    Star Lake 00 / Pittsburgh 03 / State College 03 / Bristow 03 / Cleveland 06 / Camden II 06 / DC 08 / Pittsburgh 13 / Baltimore 13 / Charlottesville 13 / Cincinnati 14 / St. Paul 14 / Hampton 16 / Wrigley I 16 / Wrigley II 16 / Baltimore 20 / Camden 22 / Baltimore 24 / Raleigh I 25 / Raleigh II 25 / Pittsburgh I 25
  • Free
    Free Posts: 3,562
    Of course I vote, because...
    HesCalledDyer said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    This is basically how I feel. I'd rather write in a name of someone I believe in than "no preference" though. I don't like the feeling of choosing the lesser of two evils, which most elections tend to be.
  • rgambs
    rgambs Posts: 13,576
    edited March 2016
    Of course I vote, because...
    Free said:

    HesCalledDyer said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    This is basically how I feel. I'd rather write in a name of someone I believe in than "no preference" though. I don't like the feeling of choosing the lesser of two evils, which most elections tend to be.
    That's fine for you as long as you are fine with the greater evil getting elected.
    Post edited by rgambs on
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • Free
    Free Posts: 3,562
    edited March 2016
    Of course I vote, because...
    rgambs said:

    Free said:

    HesCalledDyer said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    This is basically how I feel. I'd rather write in a name of someone I believe in than "no preference" though. I don't like the feeling of choosing the lesser of two evils, which most elections tend to be.
    That's fine as long as you are fine with the greater evil!
    It really depends.

    In the case of George W. Bush running, I definitely vote for the other guy, and did.
    Post edited by Free on
  • HughFreakingDillon
    HughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 39,473
    Of course I vote, because...
    rgambs said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I completely agree. There is no progress to be gained from spoiling.
    11,000 does send a message, but it's a message that will never, ever get through to enact change.
    never is a very strong word.
    By The Time They Figure Out What Went Wrong, We'll Be Sitting On A Beach, Earning Twenty Percent.




  • rgambs
    rgambs Posts: 13,576
    Of course I vote, because...
    Free said:

    rgambs said:

    Free said:

    HesCalledDyer said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    This is basically how I feel. I'd rather write in a name of someone I believe in than "no preference" though. I don't like the feeling of choosing the lesser of two evils, which most elections tend to be.
    That's fine as long as you are fine with the greater evil!
    It really depends.

    In the case of George W. Bush running, I definitely vote for the other guy, and did.
    I guess that is my point, we have such a stark divide politically that the difference in evils (by opinion) will always be large.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • HesCalledDyer
    HesCalledDyer Maryland Posts: 16,491
    I am undecided, because...
    Free said:

    HesCalledDyer said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    This is basically how I feel. I'd rather write in a name of someone I believe in than "no preference" though. I don't like the feeling of choosing the lesser of two evils, which most elections tend to be.
    Agreed. If you can do a write-in, or if there is a third (fourth, fifth, etc) option, I will opt for one of those choices.
    For instance, in the 2000 election, I did not want either Bush or Gore. Roseanne Barr was an official write-in on Maryland's ballot, so I wrote her in. I figured she couldn't do any worse running the country than she did singing its anthem.
    Star Lake 00 / Pittsburgh 03 / State College 03 / Bristow 03 / Cleveland 06 / Camden II 06 / DC 08 / Pittsburgh 13 / Baltimore 13 / Charlottesville 13 / Cincinnati 14 / St. Paul 14 / Hampton 16 / Wrigley I 16 / Wrigley II 16 / Baltimore 20 / Camden 22 / Baltimore 24 / Raleigh I 25 / Raleigh II 25 / Pittsburgh I 25
  • rgambs
    rgambs Posts: 13,576
    Of course I vote, because...
    Ted Cruz makes Dubya look like Obama!
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    Of course I vote, because...
    HesCalledDyer said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    But there are many candidates to choose and throw your support behind for four years.
    Not one has ever piqued your interest?
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    Of course I vote, because...
    HesCalledDyer said:

    I would LOVE a no preference box! That is EXACTLY the "choice" I've been talking about!

    That makes no sense whatsoever.
    That is not a choice.
    In a democratic society anyone is able to express their views/thoughts and make a pitch to govern others with that mindset.
    No preference simply means you have better ideas than the ones running.
    Well......the world is waiting to hear the ideas of the "non-voters/spoiled ballot thoughts"
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    HesCalledDyer said:

    I would LOVE a no preference box! That is EXACTLY the "choice" I've been talking about!

    That makes no sense whatsoever.
    That is not a choice.
    In a democratic society anyone is able to express their views/thoughts and make a pitch to govern others with that mindset.
    No preference simply means you have better ideas than the ones running.
    Well......the world is waiting to hear the ideas of the "non-voters/spoiled ballot thoughts"
    I'm guessing no preference means...*gasp*...no preference. And a choice in saying or doing so.

    Goodness, the judgments and assumptions laid upon others.


  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    edited March 2016
    Of course I vote, because...
    hedonist said:

    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    HesCalledDyer said:

    I would LOVE a no preference box! That is EXACTLY the "choice" I've been talking about!

    That makes no sense whatsoever.
    That is not a choice.
    In a democratic society anyone is able to express their views/thoughts and make a pitch to govern others with that mindset.
    No preference simply means you have better ideas than the ones running.
    Well......the world is waiting to hear the ideas of the "non-voters/spoiled ballot thoughts"
    I'm guessing no preference means...*gasp*...no preference. And a choice in saying or doing so.

    Goodness, the judgments and assumptions laid upon others.


    Still makes no sense.
    The effort to get out and spoil a ballot or to decidedly make a no preference choice is substantially more than spouting off ideas to others to make a country great.
    Not voting means no voice.
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    hedonist said:

    PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

    HesCalledDyer said:

    I would LOVE a no preference box! That is EXACTLY the "choice" I've been talking about!

    That makes no sense whatsoever.
    That is not a choice.
    In a democratic society anyone is able to express their views/thoughts and make a pitch to govern others with that mindset.
    No preference simply means you have better ideas than the ones running.
    Well......the world is waiting to hear the ideas of the "non-voters/spoiled ballot thoughts"
    I'm guessing no preference means...*gasp*...no preference. And a choice in saying or doing so.

    Goodness, the judgments and assumptions laid upon others.


    Still makes no sense.
    The effort to get out and spoil a ballot or to decidedly make a no preference choice is substantially more than spouting off ideas to others to make a country great.
    Not voting means no voice.
    Now you're not making sense, in response to what I said.

    Please come back and re-read when you're able to, and/or lucid.
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    Of course I vote, because...
    ^^^
    I am lucid.
    Maybe not to some.
    I responded to your gasp.
    No preference means you must have a better idea than the candidates running.
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    Of course I vote, because...
    Ultimately Americans better get their shit in order to vote against what they do not want.
    It might be a little late to wonder if a DL is enough.
  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,668
    edited March 2016
    Of course I vote, because...
    HesCalledDyer said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    Yeah, I got how all candidates can be awful (it's a current reality for the GOP). But somebody has to win, and i can't imagine that there is literally nothing somewhere on one or the other's platform that makes one slightly preferable to the other. If someone HAS to win, why not throw a vote to the least vile one? Even sexist pigs and heinous racists are going to have something - anything - that makes one better than the other is some way. Not giving someone a vote isn't fucking either one of them. The only potential fucking going on is up the asses of the citizens, when the worse awful candidate ends up winning because of a bunch of spoiled votes that could have been votes against him or her.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • rgambs
    rgambs Posts: 13,576
    Of course I vote, because...
    PJ_Soul said:

    HesCalledDyer said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    JimmyV said:

    More than 11,000 people in Massachusetts marked their ballots NO PREFERENCE last Tuesday.

    I just don't see why anyone could literally not be able to choose one over the others. Even if they all suck but one is only 1% better than the rest ... why not vote for that person rather than no one? It's not lie spoiling a ballot changes anything as far as how politics work. I don't think there is any point to that particular statement of protest.
    So I guess back to my original statement of always voting being the logical thing to do.
    I'll tell ya how and why... For example:
    If one candidate is an obdurate racist and the other is an unyielding sexist pig, I cannot support either type of thinking, so... fuck em both!
    Yeah, I got how all candidates can be awful (it's a current reality for the GOP). But somebody has to win, and i can't imagine that there is literally nothing somewhere on one or the other's platform that makes one slightly preferable to the other. If someone HAS to win, why not throw a vote to the least vile one? Even sexist pigs and heinous racists are going to have something - anything - that makes one better than the other is some way. Not giving someone a vote isn't fucking either one of them. The only potential fucking going on is up the asses of the citizens, when the worse awful candidate ends up winning because of a bunch of spoiled votes that could have been votes against him or her.
    That's exactly how I feel about it. Issues are different, sometimes you can't know the best option so sitting out is understandable...but for President??? Pick the one which you feel will create the least amount of pain and suffering in the world. (Always going to be the Democrat, there's just no debate on that)
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?

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