I hate politics

[infinidox]

It's true! I hate politics. Off the top of my head, I can't really think of anything good about it, aside from the fact that, living in a "free" country, I am entitled to engage in politicking...or whatever

Comments

[mcsimpson]

The difference between not voting and spoiling or refusing (two different things) your ballot is that if you don't show up you're just lumped in with the unwashed masses who don't give a shit, whereas if you spoil or refuse your ballot it shows that you care enough to show up, you just don't think anyone is worth voting for.

As a side note, for those of you who do think about spoiling your ballot, don't. Refuse your ballot, as it is more effective. To do this simple a) show up at the polling station b) receive your ballot and finally c) gie it back to them and say anything along the lines of "I refuse to vote because [insert your reason here]." How is it more effective? Because ballots are spoiled by accident, too. You can't refuse to vote by accident.

And yes, every vote matters. Of course, our system of elections is functionally retarded, so yes, it could matter a whole lot more.

[infinidox]

To say that one's vote doesn't matter is simultaneously correct and incorrect, and I was hoping it'd generate some response. It means nothing, as elections are never really decided by one vote. However, if everyone felt the same way, no one would vote.

I'm curious: who are you showing you care enough to show up when you spoil/refuse? Do you think they treat those votes any differently? It's a waste of time, really.

[mcsimpson]

You show that you care enough to show up because spoiled and refused ballots are actually counted and calculated into the final voter turnout numbers. Personally I think that showing up and saying "I don't think you jackasses are worth the bother" sends a stronger message than not showing up.

Personally, Id like to see Canada adopt something like what Australia has: compulsory voting. That's right, once you vote that first time you *have* to vote in subsequent elections or be fined. Fortunately, they also have an "abstain" option on their ballot, which makes things a little simpler (as opposed to "vote or don't").