AirSpeed VW Community Forums
General Forums => Air Speed Lounge => Topic started by: moni on January 16, 2006, 03:24:13 PM
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i know y'all have started a thread on politics, but i thought it might be important to mention the following in a separate area...
i've spent years debating the issue of low-voter turnout in my own head, because at first i just couldn't understand why people don't vote. given my profession, i've had the chance to talk to lots of people -- strangers and friends alike -- about why it is that they don't cast ballots during elections at any government level. i usually argue a good line about why people should vote, but was stumped by a very good friend who said that he didn't vote because he felt that marking an X beside a candidates' name meant that he personally supported that person -- and unless he knew that candidate on more than a name-recognition level, then he felt it would be falsely supporting someone.
perhaps it's a case of taking the vote too seriously, but that got me to thinking about what exactly is important about elections. this is the rationale i've come up with: it's not necessarily about politics, because not everyone seems to care about the minutae of political happenings -- and fair enough. if i didn't need to know all the crap going on for work, i probably wouldn't read it too. and we shouldn't vote because \"if you don't, you have no reason to complain.\" some people just don't complain period, so this becomes a moot point.
so for those who don't care about the outcome, who believe all politicians are the same, and are apathetic as to whether or not their vote makes a difference, i say this:
go to the polling station and pick up your ballot. why? because you can -- it's your right, as a Canadian citizen, to pick up that piece of paper. if you're that apathetic about politics, then return the ballot blank (yes, legally you are allowed to do this). you can spoil your ballot also if you so choose (you're allowed to do this too). what you can't do is eat the ballot (those elections officers will not only look at you funny, but perhaps fine you. tampering with ballots is a no-no).
and then you're done.
people have lived their whole lives wishing they'd be given the opportunity to vote. many have DIED waiting for that wish to be realized, or trying to have it realized. we get it free of charge, with no threat to life or limb.
so to those obstinate non-voters, i ask you please: go and pick up your ballot so at the very least you can say you held it in your hand. it ain't the perfect solution, but it would be a step in the right direction.
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and btw, if any of you are thinking about voting but are frustrated/confused about the options, i'm willing to answer any questions about federal trends, political party policies, etc.
this ain't a ploy to get you to vote a certain way. my profession requires me never, EVER to tell anyone how to vote -- but i know plenty of random factoids that can help you form your own decision. so if you'd like to get some unbiased information about some facet of the election, just PM me or e-mail simoneblais@gmail.com.
and, fyi, a great website to check out is www.elections.ca. you can enter your postal code into the home page, and it will bring you to what's happening in your riding: who your local candidates are, their websites, etc. it's also another good, unbiased source of info.
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and btw, if any of you are thinking about voting but are frustrated/confused about the options, i'm willing to answer any questions about federal trends, political party policies, etc.
which one will screw me less in the end? :)
i have always voted and have allways known who i would vote for,this year is different i truly am undecided.
i will vote i may not make up my mind until i walk into the polling station :D
but i'll be there.
funny thing is i had my brother over for dinner last night and he refuses to vote for the very reason you first listed if i don't like any of them how can i vote?
i could'nt disagree with him
russ
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There are many different ways you can make your choice. If you don't feel comfortable voting for a local candidate you don't know like your favorite drinking buddy, move on to another method.
You can vote based on the party's platform.
You can vote based on what leader you think would make the best PM.
You can vote based on whether you think your local MP has earned his keep in Ottawa. Find out his/her attendance record, that's a simple one.