NationStates Jolt Archive

I don't mean here in NS, but when elections come around...
When did you last vote?
why?
Why not?

I'm just curious??

I have had the ability to vote 2 times and voted once ('cause friend of mine was
running :D ) But I still think I'm going to vote in the future.

EDIT: I added a poll

Not old enough but I will..

Gotta wait a few more months.

I have a couple of times

I will be voting regularly in the future. Since I care more what goes on now than I use to.

I last voted in November and I voted because it's one of the obligations of a citizen to my country.

Yes, I do vote. I vote Libertarian(a US party, for those that don't know), which is odd since I'm left and they're right, but they seem to be the closest party to anything I support.

I voted twice in the last general election (I was registeed twice :p ). Next time though I'm going to abstain becuase I do not want to elect any of the contenders so far.

I'm not old enough to vote, and I still won't vote when I'm old enough.

I sure did, and A++ will vote again

I don't vote in every single election, but I do in the Presidential ones. I had to vote in the last one in an apprently futile effort to get our current moron out of office.

I have voted twice since I turned eighteen last January. I plan on voting in every election I can.

i voted in the first and only elections ive been old to vote in, the last EU parliamentary election

Not been able to vote in any local or national elections, but I voted in my university's student union rep elections. And I'll vote in the General Election this year - probably for either Lib Dem (I'm in a LD constituency anyway) or Green, if there's a candidate. However, there's also a Monster Raving Loony candidate in this constituency.... :p

Always. So far I've voted once in city council, provincial and European parliament elections, and twice in general elections.

Whenever possible I vote communist, but when the communist party does not participate, I vote for the Socialist Party.

The last time I voted was this summer, during the federal election. The lady I voted for lost, but that's ok, the person who won was a liberal, which is better than being represented by a conservative. :) (i voted ndp)

I'm only just old enough to, but I will.

I always vote in all elections that I can, even the useless city ones. Saying that, my hometowns mayor used to be Bubba on the tv version of In the Heat of the Night! Welcome to Fresno!! The first thing he did was cancel the restriction on fireworks for the 4th! The city was quite pleased and guess what, there were no catastrophic firestorms as predicted by the media and local fire department. I had to say that, forgive me.

I have not been old enough to vote in any elections before, but I'm 18 now and I will next time.

I've voted in the Swedish general elections of 2002 (local municipality, county and Riksdag level), in the Swedish referendum on the adoption of the euro of 2003, and in the elections to the European parliament of 2004.

Yes, I do vote. I vote Libertarian(a US party, for those that don't know), which is odd since I'm left and they're right, but they seem to be the closest party to anything I support.


That's actually a problem here.
All the parties are so close together that nobody can tell the difference.
If leading members of my countries parties have a depate It is kind of silly
'cause everybody agrees on everything (Almost)
That's why I Almost envy US system (Democrats/Rebuplicans)

not only do i vote, but i ENJOY voting

makes me feel important

I am not old enough, but I WILL when I can. Honestly, the people of Iraq have a higher voting rate than us (Brits) and the US - and I don't see us getting threatened by bombers. Puts us to shame. :mad:

not only do i vote, but i ENJOY voting

makes me feel important


I believe it should be like that
but I can't feel important knowing I don't make a difference

I voted Libertarian in the presidential elections last November because I could, and I plan to vote again when something important comes around to vote on.

That's actually a problem here.
All the parties are so close together that nobody can tell the difference.
If leading members of my countries parties have a depate It is kind of silly
'cause everybody agrees on everything (Almost)
That's why I Almost envy US system (Democrats/Rebuplicans)
The Democrats and Republicans aren't too far apart, they just argue violently to make it seem like they are.
:D
Then you get morons that claim that the Democrats are all actually extreme-left closet Communists, and it's clearly evident due to some odd idea that popped into their head with no supporting evidence, and people who claim that Bush is descended from a long line of Nazis and is supporting family tradition and will turn the US into a Nazi state.
:headbang:

YES!! ALWAYS!! - US Presidential Election... for Kerry.

I have dual-citizenship, which allows me to vote in the States and in Germany/Europe. I've always voted, though I usually have to do it absentee.

The Democrats and Republicans aren't too far apart, they just argue violently to make it seem like they are.
:D
Then you get morons that claim that the Democrats are all actually extreme-left closet Communists, and it's clearly evident due to some odd idea that popped into their head with no supporting evidence, and people who claim that Bush is descended from a long line of Nazis and is supporting family tradition and will turn the US into a Nazi state.
:headbang:


Maybe so, but still i think it's better than not having any disagreement at all

I like to exercise my freedom by not voting.

Besides, I live in a conservative stronghold, and therefore have no chance of getting my way anyway.

Yep, always. It's actually compulsory to vote in Aus, but even if it wasn't I would still vote. I believe it's important.

I've voted 5 times since May 2003.

Local an Regional Election May '03
Madrid Regional Election Recall Oct. '03
General Election Mar '04
EP Election Jun '04
EU Constitution Referendum Feb '05

I've also acted as a supervisor at the five procesess.

Also voted the Student Rep's of my university a couple of times (actualy i voted for my self :D )

Yep, always. It's actually compulsory to vote in Aus, but even if it wasn't I would still vote. I believe it's important.


It's compulsory? Does that mean you have to?

I vote.

I don't mean here in NS, but when elections come around...
When did you last vote?
why?
Why not?

I'm just curious??

I have had the ability to vote 2 times and voted once ('cause friend of mine was
running :D ) But I still think I'm going to vote in the future.

Yep, in all local, state and national elections.

It's compulsory? Does that mean you have to?

IIRC Aussies believe that it’s only a true democracy if you don't have the option of not voting.

Or something like that.

It's compulsory? Does that mean you have to?

Yep, every Australian citizen over the age of 18. There are a few exceptions, eg if you're out of the country (though you can still absentee vote), over a certain age (something like 65), if you have a brain injury/mental illness, etc. Otherwise you get fined if you don't vote. You can sometimes get around it by not enrolling to vote, but it doesn't always work.

It sounds a bit draconian, but in reality it's not a big deal.

IIRC Aussies believe that it’s only a true democracy if you don't have the option of not voting.

Or something like that.


But isn't true democracy only if you HAVE the option of not voting?
Then people choose to vote. Hopefully ;)

IIRC Aussies believe that it’s only a true democracy if you don't have the option of not voting.

Or something like that.

Not really, see my above post for more info.

Yep, every Australian citizen over the age of 18. There are a few exceptions, eg if you're out of the country (though you can still absentee vote), over a certain age (something like 65), if you have a brain injury/mental illness, etc. Otherwise you get fined if you don't vote. You can sometimes get around it by not enrolling to vote, but it doesn't always work.

It sounds a bit draconian, but in reality it's not a big deal.



At least you Aussies get people to vote. Here in Finland about 65% - 75%
of people vote. I Believe countries like USA it's even a bigger problem?

But isn't true democracy only if you HAVE the option of not voting?
Then people choose to vote. Hopefully ;)

The idea is to get the greatest possible representation of the elecorate to vote. It sounds a bit counterintuitive to make voting compulsorty in a democracy, but it actually works & it's not onerous or anything.

You can also be excused from voting on religious grounds, or if you're physically incapacitated, making it difficult to get to the polling booth.

You can also be excused from voting on religious grounds, or if you're physically incapacitated, making it difficult to get to the polling booth.


My god doesn't believe in voting :D

My god doesn't believe in voting :D

I would never have thought that it would be an issue, but my girlfriend is an ex Jehovas Witness & she says they weren't allowed to vote because it's too worldly. They're supposed to concentrate on the kingdom of god instead. Seems silly to me, but they're allowed their beliefs. :)

I would never have thought that it would be an issue, but my girlfriend is an ex Jehovas Witness & she says they weren't allowed to vote because it's too worldly. They're supposed to concentrate on the kingdom of god instead. Seems silly to me, but they're allowed their beliefs. :)


I'm amazed by the world everyday. Not in bad way, just amazed.

I do and always will. You never know when it is your vote that will be the deciding factor!

I missed the election by a few months, but I would have just voted Green anyway.....and as my Government teacher tells everyone "Voting independent is like not voting at all"

I'm amazed by the world everyday. Not in bad way, just amazed.

I know what you mean, before I met her I would never have imagined it would be an issue. Each to their own I suppose.

I know what you mean, before I met her I would never have imagined it would be an issue. Each to their own I suppose.

I suppose :)

BTW how many parties you have down there? about?
Here we have 3-4 major and punch of smaller. It really takes out the edge...
and desire to vote I think.

Not really, see my above post for more info.

Yes really. What you've said simply illustrates how it is done. If you don't vote, you are fined. IE, Aussies believe that you can’t have a true democracy unless you vote. With some obvious exceptions made.

I voted twice in the last general election (I was registeed twice :p ). Next time though I'm going to abstain becuase I do not want to elect any of the contenders so far.

If you choose not to decide or not to vote, you still have made a CHOICE!

You have chosen to let someone else choose for you...

Regards,
Gaar

do you vote?

other: i have only been old enough to vote for a year and there have been no general elections in that year - only local elections. i did not vote in them because i was too lazy on the day. on priciple i would vote and definatley will in the upcoming generals this year

If you choose not to decide or not to vote, you still have made a CHOICE!

You have chosen to let someone else choose for you...

Regards,
Gaar


Do you accept blanc vote (how ever you say it)
voting an empty.

I not only vote, I ran for office last fall. Borough (think county) Assembly. Crashed and burned at the polls.

I not only vote, I ran for office last fall. Borough (think county) Assembly. Crashed and burned at the polls.


Good for you anyway! :) listen and learn

I hope next time you get there :fluffle:

Do you accept blanc vote (how ever you say it)
voting an empty.

Certainly... It IS a CHOICE, is it not?

Regards,
Gaar

Yes really. What you've said simply illustrates how it is done. If you don't vote, you are fined. IE, Aussies believe that you can’t have a true democracy unless you vote. With some obvious exceptions made.

It's a pretty sweeping statement to say that's what we Aussies believe. It's how our system of democracy was written in the constitution. Many Aussies don't believe it's correct. To change it would involve a referendum, which is costly, time consuming & due to the complicated referendum laws in Aus, very likely to fail. It's closer to the truth to say that we can't be bothered to change it, it's not that important.

Do you accept blanc vote (how ever you say it)
voting an empty.

You can vote informal (of donkey vote as it's more commonly known) if you want. Fill in the ballot form incorrectly (eg leave it blank, vote one for each candiate, etc), your vote won't count & know one will ever know. You will be marked down as having voted, so you won't get fined.

It's a pretty sweeping statement to say that's what we Aussies believe. It's how our system of democracy was written in the constitution. Many Aussies don't believe it's correct. To change it would involve a referendum, which is costly, time consuming & due to the complicated referendum laws in Aus, very likely to fail. It's closer to the truth to say that we can't be bothered to change it, it's not that important.

No really? You mean not every single individual Aussie believes it? Wait, I couldn't possibly have meant its simply the why Australia is set up? I mean that concept of "aussies" actually referring to something other than every single man, woman and child, sick, insane or handicapped just doesn't exist? I mean after all I was obviously saying that every single Australian believed in their system of government and voting and that not one single one anywhere would dare to have a dissenting opnion? :rolleyes:

No really? You mean not every single individual Aussie believes it? Wait, I couldn't possibly have meant its simply the why Australia is set up? I mean that concept of "aussies" actually referring to something other than every single man, woman and child, sick, insane or handicapped just doesn't exist? I mean after all I was obviously saying that every single Australian believed in their system of government and voting and that not one single one anywhere would dare to have a dissenting opnion? :rolleyes:

Thanks, the sarcasm is appreciated. This is a good example of why Americans are disliked & seen as arrogant. I'm just trying to explain how our electoral system works.

If you mean it's the way our electoral system is set up, then say so. It's a bit like me saying Americans believe everyone should be able own a gun. It's not true. Some Americans believe it, some don't. It's not neccessarily a matter of belief, but what the law is.

Thanks, the sarcasm is appreciated. This is a good example of why Americans are disliked & seen as arrogant. I'm just trying to explain how our electoral system works.

LOL, my personal sarcasm and disgust is an example of why Americans are disliked and seen as arrogant? Really? I speak for the entire country? Cheers, but now you really are being arrogant. I guess that means the majority of Australians are a bunch of arrogant pricks? Oh they're not? Well duh... :rolleyes:

If you mean it's the way our electoral system is set up, then say so. It's a bit like me saying Americans believe everyone should be able own a gun. It's not true. Some Americans believe it, some don't. It's not neccessarily a matter of belief, but what the law is.

Not at all. It would be the same as saying "Americans believe in an electoral college system."

not yet, but I reach the age, I'll vote in presidential elections and fluctuate for other elections.

Old enough to vote, not going to. I have no desire to see democracy perpetuated in my nation, and as such I will wait until such a time as the population either apathetic enough or resentful enough for a seizure of power by the group that I support.

I voted in the three federal elections we have had since i turned 18, and the one provincial one. I will be voting in our provincial one in May. I voted Liberal the first two times, voted NDP the last time, and will most likely continue to vote NDP from now on.

LOL, my personal sarcasm and disgust is an example of why Americans are disliked and seen as arrogant? Really? I speak for the entire country? Cheers, but now you really are being arrogant. I guess that means the majority of Australians are a bunch of arrogant pricks? Oh they're not? Well duh... :rolleyes:



Not at all. It would be the same as saying "Americans believe in an electoral college system."

I find your attitude rude, codescending & arrogant. I was merely trying to explain how a part of our electoral system worked. I didn't actually say I thought all Americans are arrogant, I said it's an example of why Americans are seen as arrogant.

You said Aussies believe something (which btw coming from a non Australian also sounds arrogant), when really it's the way our law is. I was merely trying to clarify it for you. It's a shame you took it as an insult & were rude in response, it wasn't intended that way at all.

I'm not interested in getting into an argument about it, so I'll leave it at that.