How do you decide who you vote for?

[the_only_turek_fan]

Who ever is going to lower taxes or not raise them.

That is my biggest issue.

[Ashartus]

Federally/provincially I look at 3 broad things:


- Party platform, with a focus on reasonably sound economic and environmental policy and on the social side not trying to control people's lives when it is none of the government's business. Economic policy to me isn't whether my personal taxes go up or down a bit (within reason) but rather achieving economic growth in the long term.


- Party leader - do I trust them to actually execute on their platform.


- Local candidate - do I think they'll actually make an effort to represent the constituency, are they somewhat competent, trustworthy and not a hard-core ideologue.

[Amethyst]

First, I look at who I would eliminate. A party or candidate that has something I just can't agree with, regardless of anything else. For example, supporting conversion therapy or outing gay students to their parents.

Then I look at the party platform and individual candidate, based on the current context. For example, I would vote for the party most like to take out the UCP over another party who had policies I liked a bit better.

In the end, I think the things I feel are good for society are also good for me. I want a strong, public healthcare system. I think it benefits society in general, and I think it also benefits me.

[La Flames Fan]

I vote for what's best for the greater good of society and a forward looking approach. If my taxes go up that help a demographic or fill a need - that makes me happy.

[Cain]

Originally Posted by La Flames Fan

I vote for what's best for the greater good of society and a forward looking approach. If my taxes go up that help a demographic or fill a need - that makes me happy.

Agree, and very much the same way of thinking.

[Enoch Root]

I don't think I have ever voted, based on a single issue, or on something that would benefit me (for example, voting for a party that will make buying a house easier, when i am about to buy a house, or whatever).

I have always voted based on #2 in the OP - voting for what I believe is best for the country/economy, overall.

I rarely base my decision on individuals, always on party platforms. However, this election was different, in that for me, it came down to a referendum on Trudeau, whose personal goals and biases I believe to be a threat to the health of the nation. So the person, WAS the economic issue for me.

I have never liked (or respected) the defensive vote (i.e. voting for party B so that party A doesn't win). Vote for who you think would be best, not some negative, anti-vote.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by Lubicon

I have a few issues that are of significant interest to me. I eliminate any party that has a platform that either goes against those beliefs or ignores them. For me it's more a process of elimination.

So you stay home every time then I'm guessing?

[calgaryred]

Federally I vote for what government party treats my wife's work the best, because her employer is the Federal government. She does the same for me as my employer is the Provincial Government

[Amethyst]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I have never liked (or respected) the defensive vote (i.e. voting for party B so that party A doesn't win). Vote for who you think would be best, not some negative, anti-vote.

If the race is between party A and B, why not vote for which of those you prefer? I can think party B is a decent choice, even if "no hope of winning party" C has some platform items I like.

[bluejays]

Great thread topic. Personally I vote primarily around who would be best for the economy as a whole, and not just based on talk issues to benefit myself. For instance, over the next year or so I think careful spending policy would be better than spending out of it, so I voted the Conservatives, as I deemed responsible spending to be good for the entire economy as the Liberal spending especially the terrible scandals, are hurting the population largely. Additionally, I'm a home owner personally, and would gain to keep the gold mine going, but it's selfish from a next generation standpoint (even though I only own one home). Not to make a virtuous statement but in the GTA here there are so many people who own multiple homes, and while it's a cashcow, if the philosophy is homes are living dwellings, why shouldn't you be taxed to the gills on any extra homes you own? Homes shouldn't be treated as money pits as the rich keep getting richer in the country, while those who aren't in the country are also gaining significantly. The country is in a good position to screw foreign buyers as there's little benefit for allowing them to come in and gain from home ownership when many don't live or contribute here.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Amethyst

If the race is between party A and B, why not vote for which of those you prefer? I can think party B is a decent choice, even if "no hope of winning party" C has some platform items I like.

yes, that is what I am saying - vote for who you want, don't vote 'strategically' for a party you don't want, in an attempt to try and make another party lose.

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

yes, that is what I am saying - vote for who you want, don't vote 'strategically' for a party you don't want, in an attempt to try and make another party lose.

When the majority votes strategically and you vote with your heart instead of your brain, your vote will rarely mean anything.

If you want to support a fringe party, volunteer time to sway many votes will mean a lot more than a single vote.

[Lubicon]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

So you stay home every time then I'm guessing?

As unappealing as the choices are this is actually not the case at all. I’ve voted in every federal and provincial election since 1985. I’ve missed several civic elections because I worked out of town early in my career.

[#-3]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Who ever is going to lower taxes or not raise them.

That is my biggest issue.

I'd love to hear more?

Is there a limit to sentiment?

Would you be happy short of 0%?

Do you have a salient idea for funding social services and infrastructure?

Do you really think you as an individual would be better off without the benefits of a society like Canadas (transportation infrastructure, health care, public education, libraries, emergency services, security, fair practice regulations and enforcement.................)?

Do you really think that in a country as rich as ours net income maters more than comparative income? (what I am saying is that as long as you make approximately the same amount of income in comparison to others, you will have approximately the same spending power, inflation and exchange rates will erase all of the other differences).

It's possible that it could self destructive to over indulge in libertarian fantasies.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by La Flames Fan

I vote for what's best for the greater good of society and a forward looking approach. If my taxes go up that help a demographic or fill a need - that makes me happy.

It seems hippy dippy, but that's pretty much it, apart from "makes me happy".

What's the best path for humanity going forward? That's it, that's all. Typically that has a lot to do with education and social issues, so I tend to vote that way.

I'm going to be dead one day, and when that happens I won't be able to know or appreciate anything I've done for anyone in any capacity. What can I do today that sets the best path forward when I'm gone? Even though, ultimately, it doesn't matter personally (I'll never know), I have an unexplainable obligation to think about that at the polls.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Combination of the 2.

Also, I always try to be open to different parties and have voted for all 3 of the major national parties before.
I hate it when people are so loyal to a party they will always vote for them and not even look at what's currently going on.
They are not your sports team and you don't owe them loyalty.

[Zevo]

Federally I vote for what I think is best for society...the greater good.
Provincially I tend to to vote with a little more self interest.

[Flames0910]

I vote based on two main principles, this year I added a third. I don’t think that they’re much of an ask really, but the trick is you need to pay more than lip service to the issue.

1. Serious climate plan
2. LGBTQ support
3. All candidates vaxxed (new)

[GGG]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Who ever is going to lower taxes or not raise them.

That is my biggest issue.

Did you ever do the math to determine when or if you started paying more in taxes than getting in services? Are you sure you’d be better off with lower taxes and less services?

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by La Flames Fan

I vote for what's best for the greater good of society and a forward looking approach.

Do you think informed and reasonable people can disagree on what’s best for the greater good of society?