NationStates Jolt Archive

Obviously quite a few of us on here have voted but I was wondering what people's opinions are on those who don't vote? Any idea why they don't? Is it just apathy? Or ignorance? Or conscientious objection?

guess I could've done a poll but that's too much like work!

I have no idea. I need to hunt down someone tomorrow who didn't vote, and beat the information out of them.

If they choose not to vote, that's fine. But if they then procede to complain about the government after the election, then I'll be pissed.

I don't really know. They must just believe that whichever politician we have doesn't effect them.
Any none voters here to explain themselves.

The past US elections were the first ones that I and many of my friends could vote in. Many of them didn't bother voting - it was an issue of apathy. I don't know if this extends to most non-voters, but it certainly is the prevalent reason amongst my circles.

I get really annoyed at the lazy, ignorant *beeps* who don't vote, especially women, i'm really not hugely into feminism but still, women went through a hell of a lot to get us the vote! and I wanna vote and i can't! it seems so unfair that there's so many people who can vote and don't

Why would any rational person vote? What are the chances of your vote determining the outcome? If the value of your member winning is worth $100 to you and the chance of your vote having an effect on the result is one in 100,000, then your vote is only worth a tenth of a cent to you. If it takes you an hour to vote and you value your time at $10 an hour, you lose $9.99 by voting.

This is why compulsory voting is so important. Preserve your freedom! Support compulsion!

In Australia you must appear at a voting booth or get fined. You don't have to vote if you don't want to.

Another option would be to pay peolple to turn up to vote instead of fining them.

Obviously quite a few of us on here have voted but I was wondering what people's opinions are on those who don't vote? Any idea why they don't? Is it just apathy? Or ignorance? Or conscientious objection?

guess I could've done a poll but that's too much like work!

Because the system's fixed anyway. If voting made any difference at all, it'd be made illegal.

Why would any rational person vote? What are the chances of your vote determining the outcome? If the value of your member winning is worth $100 to you and the chance of your vote having an effect on the result is one in 100,000, then your vote is only worth a tenth of a cent to you. If it takes you an hour to vote and you value your time at $10 an hour, you lose $9.99 by voting.

This is why compulsory voting is so important. Preserve your freedom! Support compulsion!

In Australia you must appear at a voting booth or get fined. You don't have to vote if you don't want to.

Another option would be to pay peolple to turn up to vote instead of fining them.

But is compulsory voting democratic? No. What about all the morons who can't be arsed to vote, or make a decision of their own? You can't exactly force them to vote.

I get really annoyed at the lazy, ignorant *beeps* who don't vote, especially women, i'm really not hugely into feminism but still, women went through a hell of a lot to get us the vote! and I wanna vote and i can't! it seems so unfair that there's so many people who can vote and don't

Tink, why can't you vote? Are you too young atm or is there some other reason?

And it bugs me more with women who don't vote. My housemate hasn't & I so don't get why. Her stated reason? "I've only voted a couple of times" Right, like that explains anything!

Tink, why can't you vote? Are you too young atm or is there some other reason?

And it bugs me more with women who don't vote. My housemate hasn't & I so don't get why. Her stated reason? "I've only voted a couple of times" Right, like that explains anything!
I'm 6 months too young, it's sooooooooooooo frustrating!

The only reason I wouldn't vote is because of the lack of a deserving party. To me, a vote is an act of SUPPORT for their politics. if I don't support them, I don't vote for them. as I've said before, a "none of the above" option would likely make a difference in the turnout. There are likely a lot of disgusted people who refuse to vote because NO party is acceptable being lumped in with "apathetic idiots".
I nearly decided to spoil my ballot (my first one) this GE.

I'm 6 months too young, it's sooooooooooooo frustrating!

Damn! I with you could have my housemate's vote then!

I definitely support the idea of people getting the vote from 16. IMO it would encourage more people to vote

I'm 6 months too young, it's sooooooooooooo frustrating!

And I thought it was all those felony convictions. Go figure. :p ;) :D

And I thought it was all those felony convictions. Go figure. :p ;) :D
Ouch! :D

Damn! I with you could have my housemate's vote then!

I definitely support the idea of people getting the vote from 16. IMO it would encourage more people to vote

Agreed. If they aren't mature enough to make a decision by 16, they shouldn't get it anyway (I semi-joke). Encouring activity in politics early will make a difference. The more people who can take a stand, the more likely someone WILL.

But is compulsory voting democratic? No. What about all the morons who can't be arsed to vote, or make a decision of their own? You can't exactly force them to vote.

Huh? Getting the bulk of your adult population to vote is less democratic than only getting 40% or so to vote? I don't think the word democratic means what you think it does.

Damn! I with you could have my housemate's vote then!

I definitely support the idea of people getting the vote from 16. IMO it would encourage more people to vote
me too, i think politics should be taught in high school too, so that people actually have some kind of clue what they're voting for

I'm not entirely sure what these classes in school are called these days but they have Social Studies/Citizenship Classes etc. I think politics is discussed within them already (my 2 sisters are teachers) so linking it to elections would seem pretty logical

One of the reasons people don't vote is that none of the candidates represent their views.

Another is that they are stuck in a safe seat and their vote might as well not be counted, because it won't change the outcome.

Huh? Getting the bulk of your adult population to vote is less democratic than only getting 40% or so to vote? I don't think the word democratic means what you think it does.

Democracy is all about choice. Right? The choice of who you want to run the country. If your choice is to not vote, because for some reason, probably you're off your tits on Albanian drugs and White Lightning, you don't think its 'cool', or "worf da 'assle bruv", then why should you be forced to vote?

I think if you introduce compulsory voting the ballots should include a 'none of the above' box. That way people who feel unrepresented would be able to legitimately put their views across

And I thought it was all those felony convictions. Go figure. :p ;) :D
quiet you! nobody else knows about those!

Democracy is all about choice. Right? The choice of who you want to run the country. If your choice is to not vote, because for some reason, probably you're off your tits on Albanian drugs and White Lightning, you don't think its 'cool', or "worf da 'assle bruv", then why should you be forced to vote?

But freedom of choice also comes with responsibility, which is why i believe that social consciousness should be raised

One of the reasons people don't vote is that none of the candidates represent their views.

Another is that they are stuck in a safe seat and their vote might as well not be counted, because it won't change the outcome.

It's difficult to imagine that one could not find a candidate that one agrees with given the plethora of third parties (at least in the US).

And even if one does ascribe to the idiotic "wasted vote" idea, how is not voting at all any less of a waste?

Of course, this is meant to apply to those who DO find a third party candidate that represents their views.

quiet you! nobody else knows about those!

hehehehehe!

Ouch! :D
meh, why do you think i want people to vote Lib Dem? :p give the vote to prisoners!

meh, why do you think i want people to vote Lib Dem? :p give the vote to prisoners!

Haha, even more amusing. :D

Democracy is all about choice. Right? The choice of who you want to run the country. If your choice is to not vote, because for some reason, probably you're off your tits on Albanian drugs and White Lightning, you don't think its 'cool', or "worf da 'assle bruv", then why should you be forced to vote?

No, democracy is about rule by the people. Demos, people. Cracy, rule. To function democracy needs a system where by the decisions of the people affect the government. Currently the people who do vote do not truely represent a cross section of the population and so certain groups are not likely to be as well represented as others.

If democracy is all about choice, why not make taxation voluntary? If you don't want to why should you be forced to pay taxes?

Obviously quite a few of us on here have voted but I was wondering what people's opinions are on those who don't vote? Any idea why they don't? Is it just apathy? Or ignorance? Or conscientious objection?

guess I could've done a poll but that's too much like work!

I'll answer a question straight for once. I am an American. I rarely vote in national elections anymore. There are two reasons for this.

1. The Electoral college system. Unfortunately, in the last 10 years I have lived in states where the Presidential election wasn't even in play. The winner of that state's electoral votes was a foregone conclusion. In this case, your vote literally does not count because you can have absolutely no effect on the election.

2. I decided years ago that I was not going to vote "against" anyone. I would only vote "for" someone. In the past election cycle, there was no one running that motivated me to vote. The last time I was excited about someone running for President, it was John McCain back in 2000.

i believe that social consciousness should be raised

That would be nice, but pragmatically speaking, a fifty dollar fine for not showing up at a voting booth would probably be more effective.

Paying people to vote could actually decrease the number of people who vote, if the amount they receive is only small, as people might start thinking, "Five dollars to vote? That's not worth it. I won't bother." Instead of many people not thinking about the cost in time and effort of voting like now.

If they choose not to vote, that's fine. But if they then procede to complain about the government after the election, then I'll be pissed.

Why?

It isn't as if there are any anarchists I can vote for ;)

It's either statist A or statist B. (Let just ignore those other parties for the moment).

Anyway, I'm still in two minds whether I'll bother or not. I'm walking down to the polling station with my sister anyway, so not voting will not be lazyness on my part.

Why?

It isn't as if there are any anarchists I can vote for ;)

It's either statist A or statist B. (Let just ignore those other parties for the moment).

Anyway, I'm still in two minds whether I'll bother or not. I'm walking down to the polling station with my sister anyway, so not voting will not be lazyness on my part.

At least spoil your ballot in a creative manner! Draw a picture or write a little note to brighten up the evening of the poor sod who has to count all of them :)

I don't vote because democracy doesn't work. When I take over the world none of you will be allowed to vote either, with the exception of local issues of course. So long as those local issues don't interfere with my plans that is.

At least spoil your ballot in a creative manner! Draw a picture or write a little note to brighten up the evening of the poor sod who has to count all of them :)

I was thinking of that. But I'm not very creative :(

I could just about manage a haiku though.

I was thinking of that. But I'm not very creative :(

I could just about manage a haiku though.
just draw a rude picture....................that looks like a tick..............in the Lib Dem box

just draw a rude picture....................that looks like a tick..............in the Lib Dem box

Cunning! :D

I'm not voting in this year's general elections for numerous reasons; the corruption of politicians makes it all seem pointless anyway, none of the parties represent my views at all, and basically I don't think that any of the parties are capable of doing a good job of running the country at the moment -- of course, most importantly to the British system, all of the candidates standing in my constituency are total morons, and it doesn't even matter who I vote for because this is a Labour stronghold, they are almost certain to get in every time. Frankly, I'd love to smack those people who assume non-voters are just lazy scumbags around the head with a shovel, and do so twice to people who support compulsory voting. If there was an option to say 'I don't want to vote for any of the standing parties because ___' I'd head straight up there and tick it, but there isn't. It has nothing to do with being lazy in a lot of cases.

I was thinking of that. But I'm not very creative :(

I could just about manage a haiku though.

Write "Refused Party Program!!!" and circle the A's.

If they choose not to vote, that's fine. But if they then procede to complain about the government after the election, then I'll be pissed.

Yes, you'll be able to tell who hasn't voted by the stark difference in the tone of their voice or maybe their internet posts will be in italics.

Actually, abstainers may not know they are supposed to change their behaviour so you'll have to remind them that they give up their freedom of speech if they don't vote.

Cunning! :D
*flutters eyelashes, angelic smile* I don't know what you mean

I'm from Poland and I never voted but I'm thinking about participating in elections despite my anarchist belives. Why I do so?
In Poland leftist party (Alliance of Democratic Left) had difficulties in maintaining 50% domination in parliament. Nowadays there are few favorites: Citiziens' Platform (liberal), Law and Justice (conservative) and the League of Polish Familie (extream right). I don't like an idea about oppressive and conservative government. Yeah - all govs are bad and oppressive BUT some parties are less than others. I think that I have to vote for Polish Socialdemocracy. But its not a vote that supports 100% of thier politics. Not at all! It's a vote AGAINST conservatives.

Lesser evil I guess...

People don't vote because they're retarded ... or in the case of one firey and passionate young politically minded man who used to frequent this forum, "Because I was hungry and it was either vote or go to lunch."

Yes, you'll be able to tell who hasn't voted by the stark difference in the tone of their voice or maybe their internet posts will be in italics.

Actually, abstainers may not know they are supposed to change their behaviour so you'll have to remind them that they give up their freedom of speech if they don't vote.

Well, people do spend quite a while complaining about politicians' beliefs, quickly forgetting that -they- voted in that politician (or didn't vote at all, therefore implying silent concurrence). Nothing can revoke someone's right to bit*h, but not voting makes any political argument by an apathist to be... well, completely stupid. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what -you- can do for your country.

People don't vote because they're retarded

Yes, thank you for posting that just after my own post and making me question whether I should post my first ever complaint in the moderation forum.

Well, people do spend quite a while complaining about politicians' beliefs, quickly forgetting that -they- voted in that politician (or didn't vote at all, therefore implying silent concurrence).

We are the bosses, they are the employees. If they're doing a shit job (which they inevitably are) you have every right to say so. We're still paying them out of our taxes whether we vote or not.

Nothing can revoke someone's right to bit*h, but not voting makes any political argument by an apathist to be... well, completely stupid. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what -you- can do for your country.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, bollocks to that one, sir. Abstention isn't always about apathy. It would be quite paradoxical for I, a Libertarian Communist (ideologically opposed to parliamentarianism), to vote for any party.

P.S.
Fuck Queen and Country.

Yes, thank you for posting that just after my own post and making me question whether I should post my first ever complaint in the moderation forum.

Meh ... suit yourself. However, you should be aware that I am an American who happens to take my right to vote very seriously. Perhaps I should qualify that with: Americans don't vote because they are retarded.

I can't speak for the rest of the world and their elections.

We are the bosses, they are the employees. If they're doing a shit job (which they inevitably are) you have every right to say so. We're still paying them out of our taxes whether we vote or not.


Paying taxes to support the wages of politicians you feel should be replaced is all the more reason to VOTE, is it not?


Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, bollocks to that one, sir. Abstention isn't always about apathy. It would be quite paradoxical for I, a Libertarian Communist (ideologically opposed to parliamentarianism), to vote for any party.

P.S.
Fuck Queen and Country.

But you are not voting for a -party- persay, you are voting for the individual who best represents your views.

Fuck Queen and Country? o.O

Meh ... suit yourself. However, you should be aware that I am an American who happens to take my right to vote very seriously. Perhaps I should qualify that with: Americans don't vote because they are retarded.

I can't speak for the rest of the world and their elections.

Americans don't vote because they do not:

1. Know they can.
2. Qualify to do so.
3. Care to.

You know why -you- vote, but you probably don't know why -everyone- else does or does not. (Take me, for example... do you think I voted? Why or why not?)

Well, people do spend quite a while complaining about politicians' beliefs, quickly forgetting that -they- voted in that politician
People can change their minds. If you vote for a candidate who you thought would act vaguely consistent with your ideals, but turned out to be the opposite. I think you should be allowed to complain.

Representative democracy systematically marginalises those who's candidates lost. So why should someone remain silent if their candidate lost, and the one that won acts against their beliefs?

Democracy is a about more than voting you know.

(or didn't vote at all, therefore implying silent concurrence).

How does that work? It isn't as if there are loads of parties to cater to all tastes. Me not voting, since I am an anarchist, does not mean I concurr with the status quo.

Similarly, some people aren't able to vote, even if they wanted to due to extraordinary (or sometimes just plain ordinary) circumstances. To they silently concur too?

Nothing can revoke someone's right to bit*h, but not voting makes any political argument by an apathist to be... well, completely stupid.

Since you've been making banal statements, I suppose it is my turn.

"Standing back in disgust is not the same as apathy."

Ask not what your country can do for you, but what -you- can do for your country.

More statist BS

Meh ... suit yourself. However, you should be aware that I am an American who happens to take my right to vote very seriously. Perhaps I should qualify that with: Americans don't vote because they are retarded.

I can't speak for the rest of the world and their elections.

I take my right to vote very seriously. Otherwise I would be perfectly happy to vote tactically; to vote for a party I blatantly disagree with but "it ain't as bad as the other ones"; to vote for a party that I thought could only be a detrimental force in the country. And that, I am sorry to say, is pretty much all of them.

People can change their minds. If you vote for a candidate who you thought would act vaguely consistent with your ideals, but turned out to be the opposite. I think you should be allowed to complain.
Not once did I say they should not be -able- to complain. But complaints of someone who -choses- not to act is kinday silly IMO.


Representative democracy systematically marginalises those who's candidates lost. So why should someone remain silent if their candidate lost, and the one that won acts against their beliefs?
See above.


Democracy is a about more than voting you know.

Democracy is about having power not reside solely on the government. Specifically, instilling the powers of that government into the people. Not acting is not acting.


How does that work? It isn't as if there are loads of parties to cater to all tastes. Me not voting, since I am an anarchist, does not mean I concurr with the status quo.
There are more parties and organizations than most people are aware, and by not voting, regardless of political affiliation, you are preventing those opinions from being presented to the populous. Being an anarchist is one thing. Not voting for those who support anarchism (no, its not an oxymoron, necessarily) prevents your views from being represented.

Similarly, some people aren't able to vote, even if they wanted to due to extraordinary (or sometimes just plain ordinary) circumstances. To they silently concur too?
-Chosing- not to vote is different from being -Unable- to do so.

Since you've been making banal statements, I suppose it is my turn.

"Standing back in disgust is not the same as apathy."
You're right, it isn't. But chosing not to voice your opinion is different from not having your voice adequately represented.


More statist BS
No, the quote means that one should not make demands from a government they do not support. Why ask for a tax return if you don't pay taxes? Why -complain- about your government's failures when YOU have the ability to correct them?

But you are not voting for a -party- persay, you are voting for the individual who best represents your views.


Well the individual candiadates (except for the Lib Dem, who wants me to fight Ovarian Cancer with him) haven't been too forth coming on what they represent. So I've just assumed that they pretty much follow the party line (true in the Labour candidate case at any rate)

Anyway, non of them particuarly match my views, so asking me to vote for the one that best represents my views is like asking someone to vote Pinochet or Stalin.

Well the individual candiadates (except for the Lib Dem, who wants me to fight Ovarian Cancer with him) haven't been too forth coming on what they represent. So I've just assumed that they pretty much follow the party line (true in the Labour candidate case at any rate)

Anyway, non of them particuarly match my views, so asking me to vote for the one that best represents my views is like asking someone to vote Pinochet or Stalin.

No one is asking you to vote. Not voting is, in a twisted sense, voting, although I don't think anyone claims to be on the "Not Voted For" ticket. >.>

But if no one matches YOUR opinions COMPLETELY, maybe you can consider compromise? Or perhaps even run for that same position, when/if you qualify?

Advice for all you kids that aren't voting - vote Green. If everyone who wasn't going to vote voted Green, they'd probably do fairly well, and hey - if it doesn't make a difference and all politicians will screw us over, at least the environment's helped!

Well the individual candiadates (except for the Lib Dem, who wants me to fight Ovarian Cancer with him) haven't been too forth coming on what they represent. So I've just assumed that they pretty much follow the party line (true in the Labour candidate case at any rate)


omg! Do you live near me or all Lib Dem candidates pushing this?

But if no one matches YOUR opinions COMPLETELY, maybe you can consider compromise? Or perhaps even run for that same position, when/if you qualify?

I do not compromise on my beliefs or idelas, kthnxbi.

I do not compromise on my beliefs or idelas, kthnxbi.

But in a democracy, the rights, beliefs and ideals of one man (or woman) are no more important than another.

And what is it with Kthxbi... It's really wierd.

I think we should have a lottery
show up and vote and maybe win the lottery
free prizes!

Having the pole open early would help me, where I vote
the poles open at 9AM and close at 8PM.

I vote in the morning, making me late for work,
if iI voted after work there may be days where
for some reason or another I would fail to be
back at "home" in time to vote.

Not once did I say they should not be -able- to complain. But complaints of someone who -choses- not to act is kinday silly IMO.

See above.

Maybe, but we don't actually many other options.

Democracy is about having power not reside solely on the government. Specifically, instilling the powers of that government into the people. Not acting is not acting.

Sorry, maybe I misread you. Just to me you were giving the impressiong that elections were effectively the be all and end all of democratic participation.

[quoote]There are more parties and organizations than most people are aware,

Organisations, probably, but since they don't stand for election it is moot. There really aren't that many parties, even including the one that don't have a change of getting elected.

For example, my consituency has two Independents standing, not that I know what they are standing for, They haven't seemed to advertise themselves, I've tried the internet, but that just tells me they are standing, rather then what they stand for. The Three main parties are standing, as are the "not a change in hell parties" (Their Party, Green and UKIP).

8 Choices. Non of which corrospond at all with my beliefs.

[quote]and by not voting, regardless of political affiliation, you are preventing those opinions from being presented to the populous. Being an anarchist is one thing. Not voting for those who support anarchism (no, its not an oxymoron, necessarily) prevents your views from being represented.

That only works is a sympathiser of Anarchism is standing. That is rarely the case.

Also I agree that an Anarchist voting for an Anarchist is not nessasarily an oxymoron. But doing so, so they can represent you is like asking a hard left Marxist to work as a CEO.

You're right, it isn't. But chosing not to voice your opinion is different from not having your voice adequately represented.

My voice can never be represented in a parliamentary democracy,

No, the quote means that one should not make demands from a government they do not support. Why ask for a tax return if you don't pay taxes? Why -complain- about your government's failures when YOU have the ability to correct them?

Yes, statist BS. We have no power in changing the governments faults, not the major ones anyway. Occasionally a bone will be thrown to hush down more dissenting parts of society, but the major problems are still their and are largely inherent within the political system. An oligarchy is effectively set up, parliamentary democracy is a sham to legitimate coercion and the application of force on the part of the state.

An election will not sort that out.

But in a democracy, the rights, beliefs and ideals of one man (or woman) are no more important than another.

And what is it with Kthxbi... It's really wierd.

I don't think I've made it clear enough: I oppose parliamentarianism. Voting for anyone from any party in our FPTP system would be a legitimisation of said system and hypocrisy on my part.

The only party in this house is the kind where the music is free. KTHXBI.

omg! Do you live near me or all Lib Dem candidates pushing this?

Manchester Withington? IIRC John Leech is standing

I think it is part of their "Save Christie's" platform.


But if no one matches YOUR opinions COMPLETELY, maybe you can consider compromise?

Too many comprimises would be needed. I refuse to vote for a statist

Or perhaps even run for that same position, when/if you qualify?

Why not offfer me Starbucks shares whilst your at it :D

The idea of going into politics as a politician disgusts me.

Advice for all you kids that aren't voting - vote Green. If everyone who wasn't going to vote voted Green, they'd probably do fairly well, and hey - if it doesn't make a difference and all politicians will screw us over, at least the environment's helped!

Yeah. Shame that we wouldn't have enough money left afterwards to actually do anything to help the environment...

But in a democracy, the rights, beliefs and ideals of one man (or woman) are no more important than another.

Which is exactly why you shouldn't compromise your own beliefs.

Manchester Withington? IIRC John Leech is standing

I think it is part of their "Save Christie's" platform.


Nope, nowhere near!

Nope, nowhere near!
:(

Where abouts are you. Same city? Probably not.

Which is exactly why you shouldn't compromise your own beliefs.

Not all of them, no. But being unwilling to accept anything less than EVERYTHIGN you believe well... let's just say that's how civil wars get started. A lack of willingness to compromise.

:(

Where abouts are you. Same city? Probably not.

'fraid not, I'm just south of Sheffield

possibilities:

1. Laziness
2. Lack of patience (waiting in line...)
3. Lack of awareness (maybe they don't watch TV, listen to radio, etc.)
4. They were going to vote after work, but realized that they were really hungry... so they went straight to the McDonald's Drive Thru instead of the polling place.
5. Ambivalence

Not all of them, no. But being unwilling to accept anything less than EVERYTHIGN you believe well... let's just say that's how civil wars get started. A lack of willingness to compromise.

But then again, the story of the Levellers and Diggers wouldn't be so interesting if they compromised with Cromwell ;)

It is also how revolutions start.

But then again, the story of the Levellers and Diggers wouldn't be so interesting if they compromised with Cromwell ;)

It is also how revolutions start.

Touche.

'fraid not, I'm just south of Sheffield

Is Sheff United going to be in the Premier League next season?

I'm sort of pulling for West Ham myself.

But is compulsory voting democratic? No. What about all the morons who can't be arsed to vote, or make a decision of their own? You can't exactly force them to vote.

You do not have to vote, you just have to show up.
However I think one of the problems with america is that because not many vote, lobby groups like the NRA have more power than they should.
If 100-150 million people vote and a guy says "do this and 5 million will vote for you" of course you want that 5 million votes, so you will support what they want.
However, if 300 million people vote, that 5 million goes from 3-5% of the vote to 1% of the vote and they are far less likely to do it

Is Sheff United going to be in the Premier League next season?

I'm sort of pulling for West Ham myself.

No idea, I'm a Chelsea girl myself ;)

Not all of them, no. But being unwilling to accept anything less than EVERYTHIGN you believe well... let's just say that's how civil wars get started. A lack of willingness to compromise.

On the contrary. If you believe something is totally wrong for the people of your country and you simply back down to avoid confrontation, then you'll deserve everything you get. In fact I'd go so far as to say that voting for something you don't believe in is just as bad, if not worse, than just not voting because it's too far to walk.

On the contrary. If you believe something is totally wrong for the people of your country and you simply back down to avoid confrontation, then you'll deserve everything you get. In fact I'd go so far as to say that voting for something you don't believe in is just as bad, if not worse, than just not voting because it's too far to walk.

Huh? I think that's what I'm saying.... :confused:

No idea, I'm a Chelsea girl myself ;)

what's with Liverpool?

West Brom could beat them in the Premier League right now, yet they go and beat Juve and Chelsea in the C League.

it makes no sense whatsoever.

Here in Britain, as many of you know, we have something called postal voting. I am against this. It leads to all sorts of corruption and is badly planned. I would rather walk to the polling station, wait for an hour whilst some old biddy tries to remember who she's voting for then finally have my say in who gives the nation a political prickshafting than use this method.
Why is postal voting corrupt? I'll tell you:
You live in an area that has postal voting. One day your boss/landlord tells you to bring your vote to work and forces you to vote for whoever he wants. Disagree and you're fired/evicted.

I feel I'm not the only one who feels this way. This could lead to some voter apathy, as well as votes being lost in the mail

However, I can't vote as I'm too young :headbang:

Unfortunately, whilst I agree there are a myriad of problems with postal voting, my mother is disabled & the only way she can vote is via this method

Unfortunately, whilst I agree there are a myriad of problems with postal voting, my mother is disabled & the only way she can vote is via this method

Can she not vote by proxy?

Not that I have any idea how that works though.

Can she not vote by proxy?

Not that I have any idea how that works though.

Good point!

No idea either :(

Good point!

No idea either :(

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/vote_2005/basics/4351315.stm

Voting by proxy - getting somebody else to vote for you - is allowed if you can satisfy the local electoral registration officer you cannot vote, perhaps because of work, study, holiday, illness, or because you have moved house since registering to vote. The deadline for applying is 26 April.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/vote_2005/basics/4351315.stm

Voting by proxy - getting somebody else to vote for you - is allowed if you can satisfy the local electoral registration officer you cannot vote, perhaps because of work, study, holiday, illness, or because you have moved house since registering to vote. The deadline for applying is 26 April.

Cheers, sweetie! Obviously, it's a moot point now but I shall bear it in mind for the future