NationStates Jolt Archive

(this'll be my last thread for a wee bit, but hey, it's on a different subject than my last two...)

Ok, quite a simple question here... as someone who is politically minded, but is singularly unimpressed with the parties on offer here in Britain, the general election presents something of an annoyance for me. This will be the first time I'll be able to vote, and I do intend to use it. But the lack of a "none of the above" option annoys me, if only slightly. Without this simple option, how does one gauge the effective dis-satisfaction of the ordinary person with the political parties? There's a world of difference between apathy and actual distaste, and wasting, or not voting either lumps me in with the time wasters or the apathetic, of which I am neither. So as protests, neither will have any effect, no matter how small.

My question is, do you think that ballot papers will be improved if a simple "none of that lot" was added? Nothing much required, just so I get an idea.

In Sweden we have the option of a blank vote to show one's dissatisfaction with the available parties. In contrast to not voting at all, a blank vote affects the vote percentages.

In Sweden we have the option of a blank vote to show one's dissatisfaction with the available parties. In contrast to not voting at all, a blank vote affects the vote percentages.

There's hope yet... if I recall... this is also in australia and a few other countries?

If you can remember though, what percentage does the "nobody" get?

And once again Sweden invented a little something which is so damn useful!

-> It allows people to vote but keeps them from voting "extremist" parties as a sign of protest. It´s like perfect!

Two thumbs up!

See signature, you naughty person you.

And once again Sweden invented a little something which is so damn useful!

-> It allows people to vote but keeps them from voting "extremist" parties as a sign of protest. It´s like perfect!

Two thumbs up!
All of our political parties are like that!
Wasted votes and the like!
Go Mcgillacardie!

Apparently spoiled ballots are counted and declared but I have yet to see evidence of this. I'll be voting for the red and black star I'm drawing on mine.

My question is, do you think that ballot papers will be improved if a simple "none of that lot" was added? Nothing much required, just so I get an idea.I don't expect to use it, but I wouldn't mind seeing something like "RON" ("Re-Open Nominations").

RON was the option given in the Uni elections I was ellegible to vote for many years ago, now, and sometimes got a high turnout. The fact that one of the campus bars was run by a guy called 'Ron' may have swayed the vote that way a little (despite him being a gawdawful miseryguts), but I think most people understood... ;)

(Of course, in a general election we'd have to make sure people didn't think they be voting for Ron Howard, Ron Weasley or one/both of either Msrs Barker and Corbett or Hale and Pace's 'The Management', but most of those would be ridiculous... Or should be... :D)