Who(that can) isn't going to vote on Oct 14th? - Page 6 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Sparks · 10-10-2008, 06:49 PM

I'm spoiling my ballot. Not that it matters, especially in my riding (Calgary Southwest - Harper). I'd love to vote for one of the other candidates, but I don't feel I have any reasonable options.

It's the first time I've ever spoiled a ballot and probably won't be the last.

Daradon · 10-10-2008, 06:59 PM

I wonder how many of these people who are so disillusioned with the process and the candidates have ever called or written into to their representatives, started a petition about a topic, organized a community group.

Voting is the very LEAST you can do for your freedoms in this country, not the most. If you are seriously so upset about things go do something about it. But there should be NO excuse for not voting.

Sparks · 10-10-2008, 07:16 PM

I've written in to my representatives numerous times. I highly doubt my comments were even read, despite the canned responses you always recieve that say otherwise.

I also have serious trouble believing that political parties are at all interested in petitions. When did a petition affect policy? As for community groups, etc, what are people supposed to do? Maybe if you made it a full time job, you could get some media exposure. How many people have that much time on their hands?

It's hard not to feel jaded about the whole process.

Daradon · 10-10-2008, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparks

I've written in to my representatives numerous times. I highly doubt my comments were even read, despite the canned responses you always recieve that say otherwise.

I also have serious trouble believing that political parties are at all interested in petitions. When did a petition affect policy? As for community groups, etc, what are people supposed to do? Maybe if you made it a full time job, you could get some media exposure. How many people have that much time on their hands?

It's hard not to feel jaded about the whole process.

I agree it's hard not to feel jaded. However if I could somehow find out for sure, and not just what people say, I would wager that you are one of the very few that actually do contact their reps. I believe you cause you said you always vote, so I believe you take the process seriously.

I dunno, I just find it silly that people don't care about something people in the other parts of the world put their life on the line and die for. Yeah often the choices suck, but voting is the least we can do. If the choices and the system really suck that much, it should mean you should be doing MORE for the process, not less.

As I said, people around the world die for this privledge. All we have to do is pick up the phone or take a little stroll.

chid · 10-10-2008, 08:28 PM

Most of my votes were spoiled ballots, this election might not be any different. I always make sure to vote though.

Devils'Advocate · 10-10-2008, 08:37 PM

What do spoiled ballots do for you?

I mean it makes it more difficult for us volunteers counting the votes so if that's your goal, congratulations. But if you think the Conservatives, Liberals, NDP or anyone else give a crap about the number of spoiled ballots, think again. They ignore that number at the end of the tally.

Eddie Bronze · 10-10-2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

What do spoiled ballots do for you?

I mean it makes it more difficult for us volunteers counting the votes so if that's your goal, congratulations. But if you think the Conservatives, Liberals, NDP or anyone else give a crap about the number of spoiled ballots, think again. They ignore that number at the end of the tally.

That's probably one of the biggest mistakes the parties make. If they are ignoring the ballots, they are ignoring the people who pay their salaries. Further proof they're not listening to the people in this country, just as I suspected.

First Lady · 10-10-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

What do spoiled ballots do for you?

I mean it makes it more difficult for us volunteers counting the votes so if that's your goal, congratulations. But if you think the Conservatives, Liberals, NDP or anyone else give a crap about the number of spoiled ballots, think again. They ignore that number at the end of the tally.

I voted early because I am working as a DRO on election day. We are paid, it is not a voluntary position.

Rejected ballots are counted. But they can be rejected for several reasons, so it is not to be construed as a measure a "protest" vote.

And no, it does not make the work any more difficult.

As for the parties ignoring the number.... well it is usually very, very low.
In this riding in 2006 election close to 56000 votes were cast 213 were rejected.

Bagor · 10-10-2008, 10:11 PM

Why is there not a "none of the above" option?

First Lady · 10-10-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bagor

Why is there not a "none of the above" option?

They do have that in Australia, where they have mandatory voting.

In essence our version is "not voting"; as we saw in the last provinical election.

Iowa_Flames_Fan · 10-10-2008, 10:45 PM

I vote in every election--in fact, I already voted, since I live in the U.S. and vote absentee. I do it in spite of its futility (living in a strong conservative riding), but also to preserve the hope that someday we may have competitive elections in our city.

Honestly, it doesn't bother me when others choose not to vote; it's their loss. If you think about it, another person not voting means that proportionately I have more power than he or she does.

And I do love power.

Inferno · 10-10-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sadora

To anyone who isn't voting, get off your lazy asses and vote, otherwise don't complain when things don't go the way you want them to.

It's got nothing to do with being lazy and I don't complain. And just like you have the right to choose to vote I have the right to choose not to and I'm exercising it.

Hemi-Cuda · 10-11-2008, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by First Lady

They do have that in Australia, where they have mandatory voting.

In essence our version is "not voting"; as we saw in the last provinical election.

exactly. when was the last time any news media made an issue out of the number of spoiled or protest votes? but when mass people protest by not voting entirely and eligible voters/actual voters ratio is so skewed, it's impossible to ignore. when voter apathy is as high as it was in the last Alberta election it makes all the candidates look bad, much more than any spoiled ballot

SeeGeeWhy · 10-11-2008, 07:54 AM

I'd like to know how many people who "Choose to not vote" also "choose" to not be actively involved with their community, speak with their MP, or discuss issues with any of their candidates.

I'm in a tough spot because every one of the candidates that I've met and discussed the issues that concern me the most haven't done enough to convince me that they deserve my vote. So instead, I will be voting on Tuesday to help do my part to ensure there is still a minority government in place (i.e. will not vote for the incumbent).