An apolitical "every vote counts message"

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

In the USA voting is not mandatory and in off year elections voter turn out can sometimes be low. This past November 8th my town held elections for a number of local offices including for the position of School Board (a group that decides things for the local school district...contracts, curriculum, policies etc.)

On a bit of a lark and because I was not particularly well versed in the folks running for office I exercised my right to vote by submitting a "write in" vote...choosing neither of the folks running (a perfectly legal thing to do)...

To make a long story not quite as long, this local election took on a Bush v Gore quality when the results were tallied...and it was declared a tie.

My vote (or lack of) meant that our town has had to re-run the election for school board (at some expense)...

Sure there were lots of folks who did not vote that could have influenced the outcome but I've felt a bit guilty about what happened the first time around because of my vote and so I took the opportunity to become a bit more informed and vote again during the "do over".

I just wanted to give everyone a reminder that sometimes every vote does count.

Now before this gets out of hand, as lately many threads for some reason have (I guess it is the summer heat)....So I say first off Moderators feel free to lock as needed.

[renormalised (Carl)]

No...this shouldn't be locked. That's half of the problem in the US. You get stuff all people voting in most elections. It's the reason why jokers like Bush get into power...and it makes it so much easier to rig elections.

Here in Oz, as you know, it's the opposite. Yes, everyone votes, but how many people really know who they're voting for, or even care for that matter. Or, should they even vote for them at all, given the choices we have.

[TrevorW]

As in Australia maybe if voting was compulsory (even donkey votes) then things may have been different

Until recently I didn't vote in local govt elections but when a candidate with no vested interest who I knew personally nominated I voted and she was elected.

[michaellxv (Michael)]

I've often wished there was an option to vote for 'none of the above'. I wonder what the result would be if we could.

[avandonk]

It is against the law to advise you how to vote. You must attend as a registered voter and then what you do with your ballot papers is up to you.

Do not complain when nutters get voted in and you did not bother to change the vote by your participation.

Our system is a lot better than some others. At least in Australia you can run without fear of being killed by your opponents or their minions.

Bert

[OzRob (Rob)]

Originally Posted by michaellxv

I've often wished there was an option to vote for 'none of the above'. I wonder what the result would be if we could.

You can!! Just put a big cross on the whole ballet pager and put it in the box. Either that or do what I have done in the past and put another name on the paper, draw a box and tick it. I think I votes for Bart Simpson.....

I am fairly sure that the law states that you have to attend a polling station on voting day. There is no onus on you to lodge a valid vote.

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Originally Posted by OzRob

You can!! Just put a big cross on the whole ballet pager and put it in the box. Either that or do what I have done in the past and put another name on the paper, draw a box and tick it. I think I votes for Bart Simpson.....

I am fairly sure that the law states that you have to attend a polling station on voting day. There is no onus on you to lodge a valid vote.

This would be an informal vote that doesn't count, but does get your name checked off the role.

I would like a vote which counts that says I don't like any of the candidates.

[DJDD]

Originally Posted by michaellxv

I would like a vote which counts that says I don't like any of the candidates.

i wonder what the outcome of the election should be if the majority of people voted for "None of the Above" in each seat...

[michaellxv (Michael)]

It would require a fresh election. The question would be whether the same candidates should be eligable to nominate again. They probably should to keep things democratic. It would be up to new ones to step forward.

[fringe_dweller]

i just saw the last half of a movie kinda based on said premise, on foxtel recently, with *ugh* kevin costner starring, yep i am eternally grateful we have compulsory voting, that showed great insight when instigated, we are still at the mercy of the donkey voters and their ilk . ermm good bless the swinging voters

[Ric]

Compulsory or not voting to me is a privilege not to be missed.

It's our only chance to tell the blighters to be honest and give them a wake up call.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by Ric

Compulsory or not voting to me is a privilege not to be missed.
It's our only chance to tell the blighters to be honest and give them a wake up call.

Anyone who knowingly casts an informal vote automatically looses his credibility to complain about the elected government.

But I doubt if half the voting public understand how our complicated voting system works. Preferences I mean. But we are so easy going, most don't realy care... until the media runs a beat up!

[renormalised (Carl)]

At least in Australia you can run without fear of being killed by your opponents or their minions.

For now

Who knows what they'll do if pushed far enough

[Terry B]

Originally Posted by renormalised

For now

Who knows what they'll do if pushed far enough

Or if you allegedly sleep with someone elses wife.

[OzRob (Rob)]

Originally Posted by michaellxv

This would be an informal vote that doesn't count, but does get your name checked off the role.

I would like a vote which counts that says I don't like any of the candidates.

I don't understand your logic. If you voted for 'none of the above' you are stating that you either don't like any of the candidates or don't care in the same way as casting an informal vote does.

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Originally Posted by OzRob

I don't understand your logic. If you voted for 'none of the above' you are stating that you either don't like any of the candidates or don't care in the same way as casting an informal vote does.

Not at all. For a candidate to win they must get 50% +1 of the formal votes. Informal votes simply do not count.

I would like the option of voting 'none of the above' such that if it got the 50% +1 then the electorate has decided that none of the candidates were suitable.

This is very different from an informl vote which I would never do.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Terry B

Or if you allegedly sleep with someone elses wife.

[OzRob (Rob)]

Originally Posted by michaellxv

Not at all. For a candidate to win they must get 50% +1 of the formal votes. Informal votes simply do not count.

I would like the option of voting 'none of the above' such that if it got the 50% +1 then the electorate has decided that none of the candidates were suitable.

This is very different from an informl vote which I would never do.

Well, in that case it will be continual re-election campaigning...lol

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Originally Posted by OzRob

Well, in that case it will be continual re-election campaigning...lol

It would almost be unAustralian not too which is why it will never happen.

[Chillie (Henry)]

Originally Posted by Allan_L

Anyone who knowingly casts an informal vote automatically looses his credibility to complain about the elected government.

I fully agree with your statement Allan.