Are you going to register to vote?

Tropez

fawd1 wrote: »

I'm making the assumption that if all 22.7 % hadn't wanted labour to win, they COULD have made a difference, whether voting tactically or not. Which frankly entirely answers the question as to whether or not people who abstain from voting make a difference. It's not about whether they would, it's about the fact that they COULD. No I'm not saying that everyone should be obligated to vote, I'm saying I can't for the life of me understand why they wouldn't and I think that trying to justify the fact that quite simply they can't be bothered, is at best disingenuous and at worst ego stroking of Russell brand proportions. Pointing out the sociological improbability of one person making a difference is exactly the sort of thinking that brought about no great change ever. Imagine all of the things that wouldn't ever have changed if people didn't stand up and demand their right to be heard. Having a voice can have a ripple effect you know, that's why people all over the world fight to the death for their right to it.

But the sociological argument is quite valid. Unless that 22.7% represented a huge statistical anomaly of an entire demographic who opted not to vote, then we have to assume that the sample from those who did vote is actually very well weighted and very thorough. There are polls conducted within an error margin of 3% based on much smaller sample sizes, so given the numbers who voted sociological theory would suggest that was the correct outcome.

It's actually less likely to be the correct outcome in constituencies with below average voter turnout. Those constituencies that barely chalk up 10% of voter turnout would be a much better example for your argument, since the probabilities of failing to be thoroughly weighted by fully reflecting demographic groups is substantially increased.

I do stand up for my right to be heard. I am an active, vocal and financial supporter of several pressure groups and NGOs. The groups I have supported have effected change in the United Kingdom. I supported same-sex marriage and we've got it (Northern Ireland not withstanding). I supported the rights for Gurkhas to settle within the United Kingdom, and we've got it. I supported Martin Lewis' financial education campaign, and we've got it. And all of those have come under a Conservative government and even if I did vote in the last election, it wouldn't have been for the Conservatives.

You can argue it is disingenuous, I argue it is being true to myself. No political party in the United Kingdom, that I am aware of at least, fully represents my values as an individual. I do not believe that in order to fulfill another person's idea of what is important, I should compromise some of my values to vote for the least-worst option. Instead, I focus my efforts on effecting change in a way that is true to myself by supporting groups and campaigns who want what I want and what I think is right.

Yolina

fawd1 wrote: »

Quite. I completely agree with your right to complain. My mother is in the same position despite having lived here for 40 odd years. However surely your biggest complaint should be that you want to vote but can't and others can but don't bother!

Indeed. I do find it a bit absurd that I can vote in the French presidential elections despite having moved out of the country so many years ago, but have no say here where I've been living most of my adult life. I always vote in the local elections since I can, and would vote in the General ones if I were allowed to.

Swapsies anyone? :rotfl:

minerva_windsong

This will only be my second general election, but I voted in 2010 and will be voting against this year. As others have said I think it's my duty as a citizen to do it, especially as there are people in the world who would love to vote in a free and fair election.


I haven't decided who I'm voting for yet though; I went Lib Dem last time but that was before they broke the tuition fees promise which I'd joined them for in the first place (I'm not a member any more though). At the moment it's between Labour and the Greens.
That said though, I would like to feel like I had a proper choice; I live in a safe Labour seat and, whilst I have no problem with my MP, she doesn't need my vote to win. I will still do it but I'd like to think that my vote was actually going to make a difference.

thorsoak

Those who have a vote, and who choose not to use it, get the government they deserve.

fabforty

I will be voting, although I have no idea who I will be voting for!
I am still waiting to hear what Labour plan to do about the welfare reforms made under this Government.

warmhands.coldheart

Is it not the case that it is illegal not to be on the electoral register to vote??? Correct me if I'm wrong??

Shambler

I don't normally vote but I will this time if only to protest against the nasty party.

DKLS

I won't be registering to vote, there is not much point when you live in an area where people would vote for a chimp wearing a red tie. Actually if it was a chimp I might be tempted to vote as they couldn't do a worse job than the local muppet.

Having said that I may need to hire a car later in the year so may have the incentive to register, but I certainly won't be voting, I tried it twice and wasn't impressed.

maman

I couldn't not vote as I feel I'd be letting down all those who fought so hard in the past for a vote and even now in many other countries.


I would dearly love a different system though so that every vote counts. IMO In this day and age it's not so necessary to have a very local candidate as MPs are so easily contacted by phone/email. For very local issues there are still councillors.

lulu_92

I was two months too young to vote in the last general election and I really wanted to vote.

I will be voting this year, and I will probably vote for the same party that I voted for in the European election.

My mum asked me who me and my sister voted for and we told her, knowing it conflicted with who she has always voted for since as long as I remember. Turns out she voted for the same party as us.

It does always remind me of the episode of Futurama when everyone forgets to vote.