How do we overcome voter apathy?

[sadora]

Originally Posted by rubecube

I didn't vote yesterday because I had to work from 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Work is legally obliged to give you time to go and vote. I'm sorry but that's just a lame excuse.

Best way to overcome voter apathy??? Move away from North America.

[gottabekd]

How about doing away with party solidarity? Obviously not overnight, but slowly to prevent any big problems. We will end up with a system where your individual representative matters, and not just the colour of their signs. That *might* do more to interest people in voting, because then they are ACTUALLY voting for their representative, not the party.

[CMPunk]

I didn't vote cause....well I've never voted

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

What do I have to take responsibility for?

.

Being a part of a democracy.

[underGRADFlame]

So turn out was 41.3%...... brutal.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Being a part of a democracy.

I'm curious to see what you think one's responsibility is towards democracy?

As I quoted, an uninformed voter is worse then non-voter.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I'm curious to see what you think one's responsibility is towards democracy?

As I quoted, an uninformed voter is worse then non-voter.

so your responsibility should be to make yourself informed, not too hard these days since mass media exists.

When you do not take on any responsibilities in society, you are basically a leech, taking and never giving.

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by redforever

You darn right they have a right not to vote. And that right exists because the 40%, 50% whatever , do get out there and vote to ensure our democracy exists.

1. Not participating in a religion is totally different than not voting in an election. Not participating or belonging to a religion has no consequences whatsoever as to how the country or province will be run.

2. Yes, voting is a right. but it is also a priviledge. and along with rights and priviledges come RESPONSIBILITIES.

3. And if you can not be "inspired" enough, or "responsible" enough to ensure that our democracy continues, then why do you continue to live here?

1. I didn't compare them. Just like I didn't compare watching TV to voting. I merely stated that it's a right, just like two other things are within their rights.

2. Thanks spiderman!

3. Who said I wasn't inspired? Who said I wasn't responsible enough to vote? Who said I didn't vote? Why do I live here? Because I choose too! You want to start questioning people who live here by the actions they freely choose to take? Sounds like you don't fully understand what you''re preaching.

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by redforever

so your responsibility should be to make yourself informed, not too hard these days since mass media exists.

When you do not take on any responsibilities in society, you are basically a leech, taking and never giving.

That's funny.. I wonder who will pay more taxes in their lifetime? I'd put my money on the Jailbird Panuthier

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I'm curious to see what you think one's responsibility is towards democracy?

As I quoted, an uninformed voter is worse then non-voter.

I think your responsibility is to be informed enough so that you CAN vote.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think your responsibility is to be informed enough so that you CAN vote.

Why? (I'm honestly wondering, not trying to be a pain.)

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by Wookie

That's funny.. I wonder who will pay more taxes in their lifetime? I'd put my money on the Jailbird Panuthier

Wouldn't paying more taxes make a person more inclined to vote?

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

Wouldn't paying more taxes make a person more inclined to vote?

Depends on which party is saying what, then are you voting for the party or the individual in your riding?

Progressive Conservative tax policy keeps Albertans’ hard-earned money in their pockets. Albertans and Alberta businesses continue to pay the lowest overall taxes in Canada, and with the Progressive Conservatives, Albertans can look forward to more tax cuts, including the elimination of health care premiums.

So if that's all you were interested in, did you need to bother?

What if you like the party but hate your representative?

Or if you have a good accountant?

Was there a single party in this election offering any different tax scheme?

Does it matter since Panuthier is in Jail

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Why? (I'm honestly wondering, not trying to be a pain.)

Because that's what it means to live in a democracy.

It's cliche but talk to someone that has lived in a country where they don't have the right to choose their elected officials....we are fortunate to have that right and it shoudn't be taken for granted.

Not much is demanded of us - pay taxes, don't break the law, and from time to time mark an x on a slip of paper.

A fair trade for living in a democracy.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Because that's what it means to live in a democracy.

It's cliche but talk to someone that has lived in a country where they don't have the right to choose their elected officials....we are fortunate to have that right and it shoudn't be taken for granted.

Not much is demanded of us - pay taxes, don't break the law, and from time to time mark an x on a slip of paper.

A fair trade for living in a democracy.

I'm looking for a little more then "fair trade for living in a democracy" ... why? Give me a reason why I should vote. I am more then happy putting my trust in the people that know more about the election to trust their judgment.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Wookie

That's funny.. I wonder who will pay more taxes in their lifetime? I'd put my money on the Jailbird Panuthier

Not anymore, i just posted his bail

[Thor]

Originally Posted by jar_e

An uneducated vote is worse than a no vote.

You can "force" people to vote all you want but I'm not sure if that's achieving much if they still don't care...

I think option 4 is good on so many levels however I'd be scared to see what happens if the "no candidate is applicable" selection became the majority vote in a riding...

A large portion of those who vote truly don't know what/why they vote the way they do.

HUGE reason people vote a particular way is parents/family influence tradition, and media or local opinion in workplace or school.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I'm looking for a little more then "fair trade for living in a democracy" ... why? Give me a reason why I should vote. I am more then happy putting my trust in the people that know more about the election to trust their judgment.

Do you not see the danger in that statement? Entrusting the selection of your elected officials in the hands of others. What if those others abuse that trust?

Do you note care who this country/province/city is governed by? It impacts everything- the taxes you pay, how you get health care, how you get your education, jobs...man the whole thing.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I'm looking for a little more then "fair trade for living in a democracy" ... why? Give me a reason why I should vote. I am more then happy putting my trust in the people that know more about the election to trust their judgment.

Have you ever heard of the saying, if you don't use it you lose it?

Because that is what will happen eventually. Who's to say that sooner or later we have a voter turn out of 10% that the government decides that since the citizens don't give a sh*t, they will forgo elections all together and save tax dollars, because no one is against saving money, it would only make sense.

[Dion]

nm