Quote:
Originally Posted by Nath2099
Couldn't be bothered or couldn't stomach either of the choices...
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I can understand not being able to stomach either of the major party candidates, but I can't forgive "can't be bothered" when it comes down to something as important as the leadership of your own country - and especially when it's the most powerful country on Earth.
There is plenty that you may feel is "wrong" with the Australian political system, and much that you may wish to change, but at least our compulsory voting system means that we are in no doubt as to which party candidate is preferred in each electorate, and in Australia as a whole.
When faced with a choice between "Dumb and Dumber", or "Dumber and Dumberer", or "Awful and Awfuller", you HAVE to get out and vote - whether it's for the lesser of two evils, or a minority party, or even an informal vote ("None of the above"). If people don't vote at all, then they become irrelevant to the party system - there is no point in framing policies and setting aside expenditure for people who won't be motivated to vote for or against the candidates; all that matters is appealing to the people who actually get out and vote. If people vote AGAINST the candidates that are presented, the parties have to take notice, because they will realise that these are votes that they might be able to win back.
I can understand the anger and feeling of impotence when the major parties seem to ignore the needs and will of the people, but copping out and leaving the decision-making to somebody else is not an option, as far as I am concerned.