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Originally Posted by Resolute 14
Seems the only thing you accomplish is to waste your time, that of the people working the election and that of the people behind you in line.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos
This spoiled ballot thing comes up every time, but I don't think I've ever heard a single report on the news about it. People seem to think it's a big statement, but really, nobody is going to hear it. Some flunky at Elections Canada will put your vote in an envelope and maybe write down how many they had. They will then disappear forever. Nobody will ever see it again and maybe 1 person will know how many spoiled ballots there were in that one box and it will never be heard from or even thought of again.
I worked an election once and that's what we did. Some of the spoiled ballots had messages that appeared to be addressed right to the candidate. Believe me, they aren't going to see it or even know about it.
If you want to spoil a ballot because you don't want to vote for any of them I don't know why you'd even bother voting. It does nothing. Nobody knows. Voter apathy (ie not voting) will get more attention and send a bigger message than spoiled ballots.
It would be the same for rejected ballots too. The only person who knows is the person you rejected it from.
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I have a massive problem with both of these statements. You'll have to forgive me but I find them both to be incredibly ignorant.
Wasting the time of the elections Canada people? Who gives a crap about their time. Second voting is my legal right. If I feel the need to express my legally protected right but do not feel that any of the candidates suit my needs then spoiling your ballot is the only honorable thing to do. Staying at home is the more cowardly and pathetic option IMO.
That being said staying at home is your decision, but if you don't put in an effort then don't complain. On the other hand spoiled ballots are a way of showing (even if to yourself) that you want to go vote but find all of the candidates to be unworthy of my vote.
It may not make the news but I'd bet the candidates and parties like to know the number of spoiled ballots in their region. Even if Rob Anders doesn't care that I normally vote Conservative but spoiled my ballot because he's an a-hole doesn't bother me. Fact is I made my statement.