How do we overcome voter apathy?

[browna]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

True, but the thing is that at some point these people have to INSPIRE the people they expect to get votes from. It would seem to me that element of politics is missing and its a shame. Because in Ralph's case, it was the single biggest indicator (in my opinion) of the positive that was to come.

Agree, but, in an MLA riding, being such a small community area, where/how are you planning on getting insipired by someone? With small budgets, past lawn signs, the only way you'd get to know who they all are, is looking at the paper as to what the names are, and then heading out to a candidate forum.

They're not showing up on TV and radio and having the ability to get thier message constantly across to you.

[Bobblehead]

While I understand the desire for am inspirational leader, it kind of worries me as well. I don't want to decide my leaders based on charisma or popularity. I want my leaders decided on who will be good in their position, not who looks good on TV. Sure, someone who inspires people is a good quality, I just don't think it is a good way to determine the person who makes the type of decision that position entails.

[FanIn80]

I don't know if anyone else has said this or not (I'm not interested enough in the topic to read the whole thread - apathetic eh?), but here are my two ideas:

1. Have candidates that are actually worthy of my time and effort.
2. Have those candidates actually have a platform (bonus points if it's a platform that actually matters!) that doesn't include the usual scare tactics and finger-pointing.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

I don't know if anyone else has said this or not (I'm not interested enough in the topic to read the whole thread - apathetic eh?), but here are my two ideas:

1. Have candidates that are actually worthy of my time and effort.
2. Have those candidates actually have a platform (bonus points if it's a platform that actually matters!) that doesn't include the usual scare tactics and finger-pointing.

1. Laugh.
2. They all have platforms. You don't need the newspaper or even cable TV to hear them. We all have the internet.

[LouCypher]

Speaking from my own experience with voting and following politics and from discussions I have had with people many do not vote as it is not easy to get behind a candidate and know that your best interests will be looked after. If the public had more opportunities to vote over specific issues or platforms rather then a certain party or person everyone would feel more empowered and actually a part of the democratic process. Holding someone else accountable for my concerns when there is little else to do but not vote for someone who does not address those concerns is not exactly the most inspiring way to get anyone involved in how our province is governed.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

2. They all have platforms. You don't need the newspaper or even cable TV to hear them. We all have the internet.

I didn't say they don't have platforms, or that I don't know where to find them... I specifically said I would like to vote for a platform that isn't geared solely towards making me afraid of voting for everyone else.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

Nor do I.

How about instead of lecturing us about voting, you quit cutting down trees to read bs lies in an antiquated form of media?

Environmental responsibility is just so time consuming...why bother?

Ah, lets see. Every major news paper has an online version. You obviously have access to the internet so no excuse.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I don't get the newspaper.

Do you live on the moon? I am sure you can buy one. Also, you have access to the most lucrative source of information....the internet.

[CaptainCrunch]

Political re-education camps would be my idea.

You don't vote, we send you to a camp where we staple your eyes open and make you watch Rocky training montages 24 hours a day, while Survivor music and subliminal messages are pipped directly to your brain.

Yeah, you'll want to vote after that.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Political re-education camps would be my idea.

You don't vote, we send you to a camp where we staple your eyes open and make you watch Rocky training montages 24 hours a day, while Survivor music and subliminal messages are pipped directly to your brain.

Yeah, you'll want to vote after that.

I'm 34. This is the first year since I was 18 that I haven't voted. I've learned that throwing my vote away on a non-contender has very little effect as a protest vote, since all they ever care about is who wins.

This year, I protested by not voting at all. Effective? Who knows. I do know that I didn't waste 4 hours of my life this year, and that felt almost worth it.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

I'm 34. This is the first year since I was 18 that I haven't voted. I've learned that throwing my vote away on a non-contender has very little effect as a protest vote, since all they ever care about is who wins.

This year, I protested by not voting at all. Effective? Who knows. I do know that I didn't waste 4 hours of my life this year, and that felt almost worth it.

Get in the truck, we have satellite T.V. at the camp.

[Johnny 99]

Nothing will change because the status quo is good for those currently in power.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

Do you live on the moon? I am sure you can buy one. Also, you have access to the most lucrative source of information....the internet.

I'm in a prison, and I don't read about elections because I simply don't care.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Wookie

Well, right now some could argue it's their right not to vote. Their right not to participate in any religion and their right to stay at home and watch TV on election night. That's part of what makes a democracy a democracy. You've got a problem with it, go out, get elected by the 40% that do vote and change something.

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.

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.

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

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?

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I'm in a prison, and I don't read about elections because I simply don't care.

Ya, your in prison....ok If you were you wouldn't be eligible to vote. And if you really don't care why are you posting in this thread?

You sir are the problem.....grow up and take some responsibility for the world you live in.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

Ya, your in prison....ok If you were you wouldn't be eligible to vote. And if you really don't care why are you posting in this thread?

You sir are the problem.....grow up and take some responsibility for the world you live in.

Sorry, meant university. Typo.

What do I have to take responsibility for?

I'm in this thread, because of the title. I thought this thread was about the USA and wanted to know if voter sympathy was the issue there.

[CrusaderPi]

I'm not going to bother reading the previous 75 posts in this thread, because frankly, I don't care. So without further ado...

I am pro voter apathy.

The fewer people that vote the more my vote matters. I'm sick of having my ballot diluted by someone who doesn't really care and is just occupying space. If someone is too stupid to realize the importance of democracy in our day to day lives why are we pleading with them (the stupid people) to help decide our government.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by CrusaderPi

I'm not going to bother reading the previous 75 posts in this thread, because frankly, I don't care. So without further ado...

I am pro voter apathy.

The fewer people that vote the more my vote matters. I'm sick of having my ballot diluted by someone who doesn't really care and is just occupying space. If someone is too stupid to realize the importance of democracy in our day to day lives why are we pleading with them (the stupid people) to help decide our government.

So you'd want all the stupid people to vote because its a privelege of democracy even though it will dilute your all important vote? Ok....

[CrusaderPi]

No no, you've got it backwards. I don't want the stupid people to vote because it will dilute my all important vote. Big difference.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by CrusaderPi

No no, you've got it backwards. I don't want the stupid people to vote because it will dilute my all important vote. Big difference.

Ah touche. My bad.