Voter participation - what is your stance?

PJfanwillneverleave1

Of course I vote, because...

rgambs said:

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)

I agree with that to a certain extent.......it is good to switch it up once in awhile though.
Again, if you don't vote or spoil your ballot it means you have zero right to complain about the politics running your existence.

Free

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.

complacency.

Edit: Simple Definition of complacency

: a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better : a complacent feeling or condition

Look, I'm not interested in getting into it with you nor games. I just wanted to point out The realism of your point. If you disagree OK I'm fine with that.

hedonist

Free 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.

complacency.

Edit: Simple Definition of complacency

: a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better : a complacent feeling or condition

Look, I'm not interested in getting into it with you nor games. I just wanted to point out The realism of your point. If you disagree OK I'm fine with that.

I'm relieved you're OK with my disagreeing with that, because I do.

As I did the last few times it was brought up.

(and again, I understand the definition of complacency but appreciate your posting it for me - perhaps third time will be the charm!)

HesCalledDyer

I am undecided, because...

PJfanwillneverleave1 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!

But there are many candidates to choose and throw your support behind for four years.
Not one has ever piqued your interest?

You need to stop assuming I'm talking about he President of the United States and realize that I'm giving hypothetical examples of when & why I would exercise my RIGHT not to make a choice. Not every seat of every office has more than two candidates. Sometimes our local/state seats don't even have two choices! Not every bill or referendum has more than two choices, or two choices that make sense in either direction.
Also your last sentence & the use of the word "ever"... ONCE AGAIN, I have ALWAYS voted in every election. But keep ignoring that to suit your argument. I've also always voted for President, btw.

PJfanwillneverleave1

Of course I vote, because...

HesCalledDyer said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 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!

But there are many candidates to choose and throw your support behind for four years.
Not one has ever piqued your interest?

You need to stop assuming I'm talking about he President of the United States and realize that I'm giving hypothetical examples of when & why I would exercise my RIGHT not to make a choice. Not every seat of every office has more than two candidates. Sometimes our local/state seats don't even have two choices! Not every bill or referendum has more than two choices, or two choices that make sense in either direction.
Also your last sentence & the use of the word "ever"... ONCE AGAIN, I have ALWAYS voted in every election. But keep ignoring that to suit your argument. I've also always voted for President, btw.

Good for you!

Malroth

I don't vote, because...

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Malroth

I don't vote, because...

I am happy you all vote though: Even happier I have the one lone vote that I don't vote.


I am different......I am somebody.

brianlux

Of course I vote, because...

Malroth said:

I am happy you all vote though: Even happier I have the one lone vote that I don't vote.


I am different......I am somebody.

So you don't believe those who are elected and the measures that pass or fail have no bearing on the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors?

And this question: If you don't vote, why did you vote?

I was thinking about this earlier- there should be zero boxes checked that say "I don't vote", right?

PJfanwillneverleave1

Of course I vote, because...

Malroth said:

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Have you not ever felt that perhaps there is a person who is campaigning to make your path a little easier?
Noble as your reason is for not voting can't help but wonder if you have ever used government services.

Malroth

I don't vote, because...

brianlux said:

Malroth said:

I am happy you all vote though: Even happier I have the one lone vote that I don't vote.


I am different......I am somebody.

So you don't believe those who are elected and the measures that pass or fail have no bearing on the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors?

And this question: If you don't vote, why did you vote?

I was thinking about this earlier- there should be zero boxes checked that say "I don't vote", right?

I'm sure they do. I'm glad you vote.
I vote, just not for president.
There should be one box checked for not voting, because I checked it.

Malroth

I don't vote, because...

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

Malroth said:

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Have you not ever felt that perhaps there is a person who is campaigning to make your path a little easier?
Noble as your reason is for not voting can't help but wonder if you have ever used government services.

No, I've never felt it.
Yes, I've used government services, but I'll not complain if they disappear, or if poor people or rich people use them also.
I think our government is the best in the world.

Free

Of course I vote, because...

Malroth said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

Malroth said:

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Have you not ever felt that perhaps there is a person who is campaigning to make your path a little easier?
Noble as your reason is for not voting can't help but wonder if you have ever used government services.

No, I've never felt it.
Yes, I've used government services, but I'll not complain if they disappear, or if poor people or rich people use them also.
I think our government is the best in the world.

Yet, you refuse to vote in presidential elections. So you are being complacent in how things turn out, however they turn out.
Tell us, will our government be the best in the world with Trump leading it?

Malroth

I don't vote, because...

Free said:

Malroth said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

Malroth said:

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Have you not ever felt that perhaps there is a person who is campaigning to make your path a little easier?
Noble as your reason is for not voting can't help but wonder if you have ever used government services.

No, I've never felt it.
Yes, I've used government services, but I'll not complain if they disappear, or if poor people or rich people use them also.
I think our government is the best in the world.

Yet, you refuse to vote in presidential elections. So you are being complacent in how things turn out, however they turn out.
Tell us, will our government be the best in the world with Trump leading it?

What if I voted for Trump?
but, yes I still think so.

brianlux

Of course I vote, because...

Malroth said:

Free said:

Malroth said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

Malroth said:

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Have you not ever felt that perhaps there is a person who is campaigning to make your path a little easier?
Noble as your reason is for not voting can't help but wonder if you have ever used government services.

No, I've never felt it.
Yes, I've used government services, but I'll not complain if they disappear, or if poor people or rich people use them also.
I think our government is the best in the world.

Yet, you refuse to vote in presidential elections. So you are being complacent in how things turn out, however they turn out.
Tell us, will our government be the best in the world with Trump leading it?

What if I voted for Trump?
but, yes I still think so.

I wonder if you would still say that after reading this:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-right-hand-salute_us_56db50d8e4b03a405678e27a

blueandwhite

Malroth said:

Free said:

Malroth said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

Malroth said:

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Have you not ever felt that perhaps there is a person who is campaigning to make your path a little easier?
Noble as your reason is for not voting can't help but wonder if you have ever used government services.

No, I've never felt it.
Yes, I've used government services, but I'll not complain if they disappear, or if poor people or rich people use them also.
I think our government is the best in the world.

Yet, you refuse to vote in presidential elections. So you are being complacent in how things turn out, however they turn out.
Tell us, will our government be the best in the world with Trump leading it?

What if I voted for Trump?
but, yes I still think so.

What if you did? The great thing about living in a free and democratic society is that you can vote for whoever you feel is most suited to the job even if others disagree. I personally feel Trump is an abominable human being but as a Canadian I have no leg in this race. I respect your right to choose leadership that fits with your ideals irrespective of the thoughts or opinions of others. It's non-participation that I have no personal respect for. Even if America's electoral system is horribly flawed it is still miles ahead of many other places in the world. Sitting on the sidelines will always seem tasteless from my point of view.

Malroth

I don't vote, because...

brianlux said:

Malroth said:

Free said:

Malroth said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

Malroth said:

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Have you not ever felt that perhaps there is a person who is campaigning to make your path a little easier?
Noble as your reason is for not voting can't help but wonder if you have ever used government services.

No, I've never felt it.
Yes, I've used government services, but I'll not complain if they disappear, or if poor people or rich people use them also.
I think our government is the best in the world.

Yet, you refuse to vote in presidential elections. So you are being complacent in how things turn out, however they turn out.
Tell us, will our government be the best in the world with Trump leading it?

What if I voted for Trump?
but, yes I still think so.

I wonder if you would still say that after reading this:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-right-hand-salute_us_56db50d8e4b03a405678e27a

yeah, I won't be voting for trump.

Malroth

I don't vote, because...

blueandwhite said:

Malroth said:

Free said:

Malroth said:

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

Malroth said:

I don't complain about the state of our nation whoever wins.
I feel making a difference in the lives of those around me is a much better use of my time.
Change the lives of my kids, wife, friends, neighbors in a good way and hope that radius of change keeps growing forever.

Have you not ever felt that perhaps there is a person who is campaigning to make your path a little easier?
Noble as your reason is for not voting can't help but wonder if you have ever used government services.

No, I've never felt it.
Yes, I've used government services, but I'll not complain if they disappear, or if poor people or rich people use them also.
I think our government is the best in the world.

Yet, you refuse to vote in presidential elections. So you are being complacent in how things turn out, however they turn out.
Tell us, will our government be the best in the world with Trump leading it?

What if I voted for Trump?
but, yes I still think so.

What if you did? The great thing about living in a free and democratic society is that you can vote for whoever you feel is most suited to the job even if others disagree. I personally feel Trump is an abominable human being but as a Canadian I have no leg in this race. I respect your right to choose leadership that fits with your ideals irrespective of the thoughts or opinions of others. It's non-participation that I have no personal respect for. Even if America's electoral system is horribly flawed it is still miles ahead of many other places in the world. Sitting on the sidelines will always seem tasteless from my point of view.

Add up all my tastelessnesses , it's no wonder I like the hot stuff.

Leezestarr313

I saw a quote from a German friend on my FB today. It said "Voting is like brushing your teeth. If you don't do it, everything turns brown." Brown meaning nazi tendencies. I thought that was an interesting statement.

Malroth

I don't vote, because...

Sometimes I open my mouth and garbage spews forth.
I think I should vote. I am registered. I do try to keep track of candidates and the issues.
Truth is, (I think), I do not want to fall into a habit of complaining. I hear people at work and other places whine about Obama or Bush or whoever, or whine about the state of this nation and it disturbs me. I'm scared I might just start to complain about who is in office, or republicans or democrats. I do not want to go through this life complaining, I want to be happy no matter the situation,and so far that is what has governed me more than knowing I should vote.

blueandwhite

Malroth said:

Sometimes I open my mouth and garbage spews forth.
I think I should vote. I am registered. I do try to keep track of candidates and the issues.
Truth is, (I think), I do not want to fall into a habit of complaining. I hear people at work and other places whine about Obama or Bush or whoever, or whine about the state of this nation and it disturbs me. I'm scared I might just start to complain about who is in office, or republicans or democrats. I do not want to go through this life complaining, I want to be happy no matter the situation,and so far that is what has governed me more than knowing I should vote.

You don't need to complain about the outcome but in a free society it's absolutely paramount that people participate. Complacency will be the death of democracy in America. Your founding fathers certainly can't be accused of that. Know the candidates and their platforms and let your voice be heard.

Complaining is more often than not a complete waste of time and energy (although sometimes it feels pretty good). Voting is not. Let's not forget that the next president may very well be the one who chooses Scalia's replacement on the Supreme Court considering that the Senate has promised to block any Obama nominees. This alone could be reason enough to consider which candidate suits your needs as any decision you make will have long lasting consequences. Voting is a situation where actions really do speak louder than words.