If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. To contact our Crisis Messenger (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.
Read the community guidelines before posting ✨
Options
Not voting.
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
What are your views on this?
I was having this debate with my dad the other day, as he doesn't vote because he "doesn't agree with any of them." He also thinks it is pointless voting for a party such as the green party, as they'll never come into power.
Personally, I would vote for the green party as I do not agree with any of the major parties. I think it's better to vote for someone, than no one at all. Even if they shant come into power. And am I right in thinking there is an option on the ballet paper that you can tick (well, cross) saying you don't want to vote for anyone and that is noted? I can't remember the name of it though.
I was just wondering what your views are on the elections in this country and people who do not vote or vote for smaller parties?
Sorry, this is probably already a thread as well!
Xx
I was having this debate with my dad the other day, as he doesn't vote because he "doesn't agree with any of them." He also thinks it is pointless voting for a party such as the green party, as they'll never come into power.
Personally, I would vote for the green party as I do not agree with any of the major parties. I think it's better to vote for someone, than no one at all. Even if they shant come into power. And am I right in thinking there is an option on the ballet paper that you can tick (well, cross) saying you don't want to vote for anyone and that is noted? I can't remember the name of it though.
I was just wondering what your views are on the elections in this country and people who do not vote or vote for smaller parties?
Sorry, this is probably already a thread as well!
Xx
0
Comments
No, there is no option to abstain.
The closest you can get is to turn up and spoil your ballot paper - say by writing "none of these candiates would reflect my views in parliament" and stuffing it in the ballot box.
Anyway, what do you think of that? Or just not voting at all?
Xx
I consider it my civic duty to attend my polling station, and I usually do so. What I do there is between me, the ballot box, and anyone who cross references my ballot number to the electoral roll.
I'd prefer a STV scheme, so minority parties could be voted for without a vote being particularly wasted.
I think he should but its his life
However, I do think that people should vote. I hate it when people complain about the government but then don't vote. Its like… if you hate our current government *that* much, surely there must be a party you’d prefer in place of the current party in power. Meh – I don’t know.
I know who I’m going to vote for… I don’t believe in all of their policies, but they will still get my vote. For me the party has to be more of a “best fit” with my views, rather than a party which I feel fully represents my beliefs… which of course would never happen :P
It's what I have done in the past and will probably do this time. At the moment none of them represent my views and I'm in one of the safest Tory seats in the country anyway.
Personally I think it's my duty to cast a vote in some form.
Ergh sorry, worded badly.
There was an election called prematurely last spring due to the collapse of the financial system here. A party that was known to not have anything to do with it appeared to be going to win quite a victory and me being against that decided to vote for anoher big party in an attempt to reduce the other party's influence. They're now the two parties that form the government (not saying it's thanks to me though
Voting kinda sucks, I don't like it. However, if I am going to criticise the government or opposition, I feel that I need to actually do something to earn the right. If I don't vote (even if just to return an empty ballot) I don't think I have a right to whine about what's going on because I've done naught to change it. Unless people acively go work for parties or create them that are to their liking.
By not going it doensn't say anything. You're just one of those persons that was too lazy to go or possibly thought they were making a statement. Well, you didn't. You just didn't show up.
But like I said things are messed up in my country, one party got 4 people in last spring but they split from the partr and suddenly began voting against everything the people who voted for them wanted. I think a lot of people who thought they were bringing on change feel betrayed. They wanted a different sort of democracy and.... it didn't happen.
I however understand people that don't want to vote. It does feel futile. I just don't know how else you can express yourself in modern society.
Expect a decision around the 2015 election...
Shit happens. :thumb:
I really don't think people can complain about something that they had a choice over, and choose to ignore.
And MR- don't make my dad anymore big headed than he already is by saying stuff like that haha!
Xx
The died so that people could have the right to vote, not so that they could be forced to vote.
In fact you could argue that the armed forces have died so that you have the choice not to vote...
Indeed. This means I have the right to vote, and the right not to vote.
But it is still consistent with that to think I also have a duty to vote.
I have a duty to vote, because of the sacrifices others have made so that I can do so, but nonetheless I have a right that you don't force me to vote.
Yeah, I agree. There is a big difference between people who actively make a decision not to vote... and those who are just like "meh".
Some people say that even if you don't agree with anyone, so you can't vote for the best, you should vote for the least bad. I'm not sure if I agree with that, but so far I haven't done that.
You have it arse about tit.
When the government turn out to be crap ...and they will ...I can blame you people who were dumb enough to vote for them.
It's not my fault ...I would never sign over my consent to such people.
Fair point... so basically children and those who don't vote are the ones saving the country :thumb:
Do you think that those who can't be arsed to vote can say the same thing? And blame all those that do vote?
Xx
Previously I wasn't in favour of it, but after looking into it, compulsory voting seems to be a good idea.
For a start, there is no compulsion to actually vote for a particular party, simply to go to the polls.
It does make parliament more representative and democratic, and it also saves money!
Voter apathy is a big problem, and compulsory voting seems to be the best way of combating it.
And it's worth considering - is voting a civic and moral duty? Especially for those people who receive most help from the state.
I think it is a civic and moral duty, but there are still moral reasons why it should not be legally enforced.
I think people have the duty to vote, but also the right not to vote. Apathy is a big problem, but I really think people would resent the political system even more if they get forced to attend the polling stations. I think there are other ways to solve voter apathy.... it seems that for certain groups of people (young people?) politicians have almost given up, and instead they target their policies at older people since they know they can win their vote. Also education in schools blah blah blah - that is how i got a least a bit interested in politics, realising that actually it does affect me, despite not being able to vote. (Although I can vote this year mwah ha ha)