Is a vote not cast a wasted vote?

[ariastar]

Discuss.

[ariastar]

I think, if someone doesn't feel good about either candidate, then it's not. If one is apathetic and doesn't pay attention, then maybe. What got me thinking about this is I was reading a forum with some Christians who are too pro-life to vote for Obama and too against what Palin is representing to vote for McCain, and a friend of mine on this forum may not vote at all either due to his very dislike of both candidates. If your vote would go to a third party/write-in anyway (and a third party/write-in has never won for president), then I don't see how it's wasted. Why be forced to choose between two people, even if one will eventually end up winning?

In 2004 I voted my cat for president and my left shoe for VP, and I know seven people who wrote me in.

[tokenuser]

A vote not cast is a vote wasted.

Despite the fact that there is viably only two candidates who could win a Presidential election, writing in another candidate acts as a barometer to the powers that be that can be used to gain a deeper insight into the electorate by the winning candidate. That does not mean writing in your cat, or your left shoe, but someone who has a viable platform.

If you narrowly win, and it was largely a green vote that sucked votes away from you (for example), thats an area you might focus more attention on for the next election.

I lean liberal (duh), can't vote in the US (duh), but actively encourage people to vote - regardless of their political beliefs.

[esophagus]

Yes its a wasted vote.

Big a candidate you like best, even if it isn't one of the two major candidates. If you can't find someone you like BEST then you need to be doing more research, not discarding your vote. There is going to be a president no matter what, so pick who you would like to see most, no matter what your reasoning.

[secret-steve-crumbles]

Easiest question I've ever answered in my life. Besides where do you want to put it.

[phatlip12]

Yes, its a waste.

The very least you can do is try your best to keep the guy out of office that will REALLY mess up things.

[xibalba]

http://www.peppermillcrew.com/images/voteordie.PNG

[esophagus]

Yes, its a waste.

The very least you can do is try your best to keep the guy out of office that will REALLY mess up things.Exactly. Someone is going to win president. Not voting because you don't like either is just delaying the inevitable. Its silly not to have a say in who will run your country.

[yssman]

While I agree to the point that it is a waste, one thing we have to weary of are voters who are voting without knowledge of the given candidate or ballot issue. Voting randomly on a sheet of paper because "that man's name is cool," or "because he is a Democrat... I like Democrats," etc... It defeats the whole purpose of voting altogether.

[esophagus]

While I agree to the point that it is a waste, one thing we have to weary of are voters who are voting without knowledge of the given candidate or ballot issue. Voting randomly on a sheet of paper because "that man's name is cool," or "because he is a Democrat... I like Democrats," etc... It defeats the whole purpose of voting altogether.I think the correct solution for those people is to learn more, not to not vote.

[sir_scutter]

Haven't read anyone else's post..tricky question..

Short answer: yes. Not casting vote wastes chance to express voice--I didn't vote on this poll, voice wasn't heard.

Does it matter for presidential election? No. Your vote doesn't matter. It's a joke. Presidential election was never even supposed to seem like you were the one voting. Votes placed by "the people" simply passed on to electoral college..they vote for candidate

(boards don't allow my posts to be large, cont. in next post)

[sir_scutter]

(cont.)
Unless you truly love Obama or Mccain (maybe you should get head examined)--I don't see reason to vote. If it makes you feel better, write someone in or cast empty ballot.. I don't see a point. Won't stop you from voting, but I hate to see someone get excited because they think writing Mary Ruwart in will actually do something besides make them feel better.

I somewhat understand those who vote for lesser of two evils--it's somewhat defensive, but in this case there's no difference between two candidates. Small differences.

I don't know what I think about voting vs. not. I just believe it's pointless for this presidential election.

[bigshotprof]

Given the present state of gerrymandering, in all but a very few (maybe 1 or 2 percent of districts) most votes that ARE cast are a statistical waste, because the district is slanted by its makeup that it is a forgotten conclusion. If a person doesn't want to vote that ought to be his or her business and no one else's.

[sir_scutter]

If a person doesn't want to vote that ought to be his or her business and no one else's.

Well, yeah. I would hope that's a given.

[llauranzoniii]

i was going to vote for pz myers or richard dawkins.

[njshadow]

Yes, it's definitely a wasted vote. Some people would kill just to have the privilege to vote, and not doing so is like a slap in the face to those who fought to give us that privilege and right.

[sir_scutter]

Yes, it's definitely a wasted vote. Some people would kill just to have the privilege to vote, and not doing so is like a slap in the face to those who fought to give us that privilege and right.

How exactly do people following politicians' orders to kill others with the money they stole from me give me a privilege/right to do anything?

It's arguable, but I believe it's all the gov't interactions that start the fights. Me living free and defending myself gives me the right to do what I want freely.

[phatlip12]

How exactly do people following politicians' orders to kill others with the money they stole from me give me a privilege/right to do anything?

It's arguable, but I believe it's all the gov't interactions that start the fights. Me living free and defending myself gives me the right to do what I want freely.

Men have fought and died to give you that right in various different wars. Thats how.

[sir_scutter]

Men have fought and died to give you that right in various different wars. Thats how.

No, I understand the claim. I'm asking you to explain how men fighting and dying gives me a right to do what I want when I could have done what I want if they never started the fight. This isn't really a good argument and I probably won't get far because I"m asking it in a weird way. But I believe it's kind of a distraction the way you say it.

[njshadow]

It's arguable, but I believe it's all the gov't interactions that start the fights. Me living free and defending myself gives me the right to do what I want freely.

Sorry, but that doesn't necessarily apply everywhere. Try going to Zimbabwe and saying that, you'd probably be killed for doing so. People there can't vote for another candidate because theirs dropped out due to various threats on his supporters. You might not have those freedoms if it weren't for those who fought oppression before you.

[sir_scutter]

Sorry, but that doesn't necessarily apply everywhere. Try going to Zimbabwe and saying that, you'd probably be killed for doing so. You might not have those freedoms if it weren't for those who fought oppression before you.

I would have the freedom if the people of the gov't never disobeyed their own rules and started fights for nonsense. United States hasn't had a properly declared war almost ever.

It's not the military protecting everyone. It's every gun-wielding American protecting their own properties.

[njshadow]

I would have the freedom if the people of the gov't never disobeyed their own rules and started fights for nonsense. United States hasn't had a properly declared war almost ever.

It's not the military protecting everyone. It's every gun-wielding American protecting their own properties.

Yeah but, since the past can't be changed, you really wouldn't have that right.

So you're not taking into account how we fought the British for independence, the Nazis (I agree we were late) to end their reign of tyranny and oppression and Japan to defend our people?

[phatlip12]

No, I understand the claim. I'm asking you to explain how men fighting and dying gives me a right to do what I want when I could have done what I want if they never started the fight. This isn't really a good argument and I probably won't get far because I"m asking it in a weird way. But I believe it's kind of a distraction the way you say it.

I'm going to try to answer this the best I can without coming off as being a dick. Thats not my intention.

This country and our rights didn't always exist. Blood was shed to receive such rights in various wars. Thats why we have the right to vote, protest our government etc.

[phatlip12]

I would have the freedom if the people of the gov't never disobeyed their own rules and started fights for nonsense. United States hasn't had a properly declared war almost ever.

It's not the military protecting everyone. It's every gun-wielding American protecting their own properties.

The United States wouldn't exist if it wasn't for "starting fights for nonsense". You essentially just called every single war the United States ever participated in nonsense.

[skyz]

I think, if someone doesn't feel good about either candidate, then it's not. If one is apathetic and doesn't pay attention, then maybe. What got me thinking about this is I was reading a forum with some Christians who are too pro-life to vote for Obama and too against what Palin is representing to vote for McCain, and a friend of mine on this forum may not vote at all either due to his very dislike of both candidates. If your vote would go to a third party/write-in anyway (and a third party/write-in has never won for president), then I don't see how it's wasted. Why be forced to choose between two people, even if one will eventually end up winning?



2000 i voted for gore the first time i ever voted

i live in florida my vote was counted recounted discounted i will never know

i do know that what came down was not 'right'

then in 2004 i voted not really for kerry but against bush

i did not feel good about it so i decided not to do that again

i can't honestly place my trust in either candidate

if i vote it won't be for either of them

[frankiethewaffle]

Aria this is a GREAT question

I asked four years ago, this same question. I phrased it as, "Is a silent vote ever heard?"

Really trying to sound smarter than I am, but hoping people would see a "silent vote" as a protest. The truth is, in order for a silent vote to be a protest, you have to convince a great number to not vote. You have to make more noise than Candidates. Not easy or, unfortunately, even plausible.

Everyone is having their minds blasted with "Rock the Vote" or "Vote or Die!". (in past elections, so far) Well, younger voters, which this election is going to have to consider more than ever.

In the same way, I think just another candidacy trick, was the pick of Palin for VP by McCain. I think it was a weak attempt to get the "Girl Power", "Only a Woman for President" voters. I could get mean and give my social opinions on those people, but I want this to be as Political as I can. (McCain could be dead at any moment!") Uh, sorry about that. That was a light hearted one that got through. Everyone is telling "McCain is old." jokes. But anyway, the whole thing will fail. Fire the guy that suggested it. I DON'T mind a Woman for President, Just not Hilary.

Back to the topic. I caved the last time. I voted wrong again. I voted for Bush.....again. I regret them both. What would make me want to vote now?

The first time I heard Obama speak. The first thought in my mind was, "This generations' Kennedy." I love the history of this Country, and the Kennedy's' place in it. The thing I gravitate to are the speeches, the charisma, could motivate a Country to believe in themselves. Now, I will drop so much of the political stuff for a gruesome truth. One Kennedy, that was President, was second generation crooked and had his brains blown out. The other was to be President and was second generation crooked and had his brains blown out.

I still love the history of this Country, with the Kennedy's' part of it, as well as mourn the tragic history of that family.

But that is the truth. Not that I wish ANYTHING like Obama being harmed in ANY way. Don't confuse me with Hilary's interview or whatever that Keith Olberman tore into, about Hilary saying she wont give up cause RFK was killed after getting the nomination in June, so she will wait till then. It is a long story. Look for it on You Tube, You can find it.

I don't wish harm, nor would I accept it. I fear that that recognized charisma, and ability to motivate may end up being just as crooked.

After all of this that shows my own plight in this area, I will not give my answer, or opinion on what anyone should do. I don't have one of either. Good luck to us all.

[sir_scutter]

we fought the British for independence

Just to clarify, I never fought anyone.

I wasn't really alive nor paying attention to any of that stuff, but from what I read in history books most of it was just governments' faults. Governments hired individuals to fight to protect the rights and freedoms of governments.



every single war the United States ever participated in nonsense.
this country and our rights didn't always exist. Blood was shed to receive such rights in various wars. Thats why we have the right to vote, protest our government etc.

Well you didn't sound like a dick. I do, though:

I would say you are correct when concerning the wars before and excluding the Civil War. After that, it was just bigger and bigger gov't protecting itself... yes, nonsense.

[skyz]

I don't wish harm, nor would I accept it. I fear that that recognized charisma, and ability to motivate may end up being just as crooked.

Good luck to us all.

exactly

thank you