Vote?

Traz-KOE · Post by **Traz-KOE** » November 2, 2006, 8:14 pm

I'm curious about our voter demographic. I don't care *how* you vote, just whether or not you will.

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » November 2, 2006, 9:09 pm

I voted Democrat across the board this time around, but I'm not registered to either party.

Arborealus · Post by **Arborealus** » November 2, 2006, 9:13 pm

Hrmmmm technically I am still registered republican though I haven't voted repub well since I was young and dumb...

Spang · Post by **Spang** » November 2, 2006, 9:20 pm

i'm registered but not with any party and more than likely won't be voting.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » November 2, 2006, 11:13 pm

Just out of curiosity what are you trying to guage with this poll? If its the % of Americans voting and their affiliations, you might have been better served to have seperate options for:

No, I am a US citizen and do not plan to vote
No, I am a US citizen and ineligible
No, I am not a US citizen

Its more typing but it seems to be more in the types of answers you listed for the "yes" options.

For the record, I'm not a US citizen but I strongly believe in exercising the right to vote. I've always been of the opinion that if you don't vote you have no right to complain about your gov't as you forfeited your chance to affect it.

Leonaerd · Post by **Leonaerd** » November 3, 2006, 1:17 am

I've always been of the opinion that if you don't vote you have no right to complain about your gov't as you forfeited your chance to affect it.

Why should I support something that I complain about by voting for it? I don't vote because what I vote for is not what is put into office. It's no secret to anybody that politicians generally have their own agendas, regardless of what's said on the campaign trail.

Putting somebody I don't like into power is the only way I am allowed to complain?

Al · Post by Al » November 3, 2006, 4:37 am

Leonaerd wrote:Putting somebody I don't like into power is the only way I am allowed to complain?

WHAT?!? You cannot possibly be saying that voting for an idiot over an idiot is a bad thing! It isn't about the people winning the election! It's about beating those other idiots and gloating for 4 years!

If I had it my way, I would make a law that said no one with any real qualifications can run for public office, under penalty of death. That way we can completely cut out the campaign promises and go straight to the mudslinging! I love a good sex scandal the week before an election!

cadalano · Post by **cadalano** » November 3, 2006, 12:14 pm

Why did you combine 3 options together if this is a poll? Your poll-making skills are terrible.. maye you should consider taking night classes.

Registered Dem but I'm not predispositioned to either. I'll be voting

Why should I support something that I complain about by voting for it? I don't vote because what I vote for is not what is put into office. It's no secret to anybody that politicians generally have their own agendas, regardless of what's said on the campaign trail.

Putting somebody I don't like into power is the only way I am allowed to complain?

You need to learn to accept compromise. I'm almost a polar opposite of the political norm here in Florida and theres a lot of popular opinions that I completely oppose, but I understand that I have to give and take. In order to support the issues that are truly important to me, I will probably need to cast a vote against other issues that I support.

Yeah its true that politicians do not deliver all promises. However, thats been the case throughout history. If you believe anything you hear in an election to be a guarantee, then you're being naive. If you believe anything you hear in an election to be a LIE, then youre overreacting.

So whatever, cross your arms and pout. You're not being a rebel.. youre being a fuckin' baby.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » November 3, 2006, 2:25 pm

Leonaerd wrote:
I've always been of the opinion that if you don't vote you have no right to complain about your gov't as you forfeited your chance to affect it.
Why should I support something that I complain about by voting for it? I don't vote because what I vote for is not what is put into office. It's no secret to anybody that politicians generally have their own agendas, regardless of what's said on the campaign trail.

Putting somebody I don't like into power is the only way I am allowed to complain?

What I do in most cases is vote for the least damaging candidate, the person likely to do the least amount of harm, if there is no candidate I actually like. BY refusing to participate you are saying you don't care to even try to limit the damage done by the "personal agendas" of the politicians, thus all you want to do is bitch... which accomplishes sweet fuck all except letting the worst politicians have a stronger chance of winning and fucking things up worse than they already are.

Midgen · Post by **Midgen** » November 4, 2006, 6:07 pm

I am not 'registered' in any party.

While I did not vote the party line, I did do my part to try to correct the wrong that is the Seattle area "liberal" political scene.

Leonaerd · Post by **Leonaerd** » November 4, 2006, 7:58 pm

BY refusing to participate you are saying you don't care to even try to limit the damage done by the "personal agendas" of the politicians

That was my point in the first post. Voting could limit the damage done, but in doing so I would still be damaging, by actively fueling and endorsing their personal agendas. So the damage is only there in the first place because of the act of voting. What they spout of their lying faces is what gets votes in the first place. By not participating, I'm accepting their lies as being standard in elections, and sidestepping the potential affect they'd otherwise have on me. I'm purposefully not investing interest in the election of my governor so that I'm not disappointed when he / she largely fails.

Yeah its true that politicians do not deliver all promises. However, thats been the case throughout history. If you believe anything you hear in an election to be a guarantee, then you're being naive. If you believe anything you hear in an election to be a LIE, then youre overreacting.

I'm simply choosing to act on my own notion that what can't be fully believed as truth (I should at least be able to think that my elected official will try to do what they say they're going to do) isn't worthy of my support.

More importantly, though, is that by choosing to not participate in an election, I'm voicing that I am dissatisfied with the way elections are run. The most common thing that voters say to those who don't vote is something along the lines of "if you don't vote then you're not saying anything important anyway so it's pointless." But if nobody voted (about as likely as everybody voting), then some message will have gotten across to the people in power. What would happen then? Would politicians win back the vote of citizens by actually sticking to what they say they'll do? I don't know. Since I'm already doing my part in not putting a hand into electing somebody I'm not supportive of, I am satisfied.

So whatever, cross your arms and pout. You're not being a rebel.. youre being a fuckin' baby.

I'm not pouting or trying to be a rebel. I have my opinions and I am content with them. I have voted before. I'm sure I will vote again. The people that say willing apathy cannot be constructive are the babies.

Traz-KOE · Post by **Traz-KOE** » November 5, 2006, 1:14 am

Midgen wrote:I am not 'registered' in any party.

While I did not vote the party line, I did do my part to try to correct the wrong that is the Seattle area "liberal" political scene.

Heh. Hahaha. Bwahahahahaha.

Salmon?

Midnyte_Ragebringer · November 5, 2006, 1:45 am

No. I am done voting.

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » November 5, 2006, 4:40 am

shit, traz, he's gonna totally ruin the liberal-gay-baby-killing-seattlite agenda!!

what do we do?!?!

how can we counter his moralistic agenda and keep our culture of death and promiscuity alive?!?

Traz-KOE · Post by **Traz-KOE** » November 5, 2006, 4:47 am

Let's go get some coffee, and maybe vote. In the rain.

Traz-KOE · Post by **Traz-KOE** » November 6, 2006, 6:30 am

Well, Midgen, tomorrow (technically, though I haven't slept yet.

) is the day of reckoning. I presume by your earlier statement and listed location that you're voting to unseat Inslee and Cantwell. I wouldn't hold your breath in either case, but I wish you luck.

I'm curious how the ballot measures for the state and King County will go though. There are some interesting ones up this time around. I didn't see any sponsored by Tim "Slash the State's Income" Eyeman this time around, which is a relief.

Midgen · Post by **Midgen** » November 6, 2006, 7:00 am

Im in Snohomish county... so different meausures there...

Ballot was dropped off at the Post Office yesterday, complete with necessary postage, so I can say I did my part...

/shrug

Traz-KOE · Post by **Traz-KOE** » November 6, 2006, 7:34 am

Midgen wrote:I can say I did my part...

The true value of this thread lies in this statement. Regardless of our respective affiliations, this is what I'm happy to see.

Regarding the vote/not vote discussion, I held off saying anything about the comments posted herein, but with election day around the corner I have to question those who choose not to vote. Quite simply put, I think such a decision is ill thought out.

I can understand being frustrated or disillusiond with the two-party system or the way elections are run, but a generalization like "all politicians are liars" should not be enough to deter your vote. If you feel that strongly about the choice in candidates then don't choose either, but don't stay home because of it. In doing so you neglect the side of voting that doesn't involve putting people in office; don't forget that there are state measures/initiatives/referendums, county measures, and often city measures to be voted on. By not voting on election day you also forsake your say in these important pieces of legislature.

Also, consider this if you are planning to stay home and not vote in protest: you are not getting your message out to anyone. If you don't put your ballot in the box then your position will never be recorded and no one will know. That's not activism or taking a stand; that's stomping your foot and having a tantrum in a soundproof dark room in an empty house on an isolated 30-acre ranch. If you don't want to vote for a candidate then go to the polls and say so. At least "none of the above" goes on record. Additionally, you get the added bonus of being able to have your say on matters that don't involve whatever it is you have a problem with.

In short, don't be an idiot. Vote.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » November 6, 2006, 10:54 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:No. I am done voting.

Hey, shit for brains, I thought you were fucking LEAVING.

Midgen · Post by **Midgen** » November 7, 2006, 2:00 am

Traz-KOE wrote:
Midgen wrote:I can say I did my part...
The true value of this thread lies in this statement. Regardless of our respective affiliations, this is what I'm happy to see.

Regarding the vote/not vote discussion, I held off saying anything about the comments posted herein, but with election day around the corner I have to question those who choose not to vote. Quite simply put, I think such a decision is ill thought out.

I can understand being frustrated or disillusiond with the two-party system or the way elections are run, but a generalization like "all politicians are liars" should not be enough to deter your vote. If you feel that strongly about the choice in candidates then don't choose either, but don't stay home because of it. In doing so you neglect the side of voting that doesn't involve putting people in office; don't forget that there are state measures/initiatives/referendums, county measures, and often city measures to be voted on. By not voting on election day you also forsake your say in these important pieces of legislature.

Also, consider this if you are planning to stay home and not vote in protest: you are not getting your message out to anyone. If you don't put your ballot in the box then your position will never be recorded and no one will know. That's not activism or taking a stand; that's stomping your foot and having a tantrum in a soundproof dark room in an empty house on an isolated 30-acre ranch. If you don't want to vote for a candidate then go to the polls and say so. At least "none of the above" goes on record. Additionally, you get the added bonus of being able to have your say on matters that don't involve whatever it is you have a problem with.

In short, don't be an idiot. Vote.

Nice post Traz.

You could say something slightly different about my post.

I did 'something', which is better than nothing, even if only marginally.
I did the minimum to consider myself a participant in my democracy.

There are plenty of other things that you can do besides voting to try and make a difference. Lots of causes and organizations to get involved in. THere are lots of levels of government from small local municipalities, cities, counties, states and the federal government. If you are fed up with the federal government and feel helpless to make a difference, you might look around your local political scene and see what you can do to facilitate some change there. Don't like the roads in your town? Don't like how your local city is spending your tax dollars? City council members highly over paid and under effective?

Bottom line, if you aren't getting involved at *some* level.. even if it's just bothering to vote.. you really don't have a right to complain about the hand you get dealt.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » November 7, 2006, 2:56 am

A vote quote:

"The people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that
body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate
ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it
is because the people demand these high qualities.... If the next centennial
does not find us a great nation...it will be because those who represent the
enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in
controlling the political forces."

James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the U.S.

Vaemas · Post by **Vaemas** » November 7, 2006, 11:16 am

I voted today. I don't care who you vote for. Exercise your right to participate in the political process.

Deward · Post by **Deward** » November 7, 2006, 12:59 pm

One thing that I think most people don't realize is that the parties in power don't want people to vote. They know that their fundamental base will vote and if they can get informed people not to vote then they will win. So when you do not vote you are actually working in their favor. The parties in power do not want people to vote because they might actually vote on the issues.

I am a libertarian. My candidates rarely win but they can garner enough votes to change a party's strategy. Case in point, in Wisconsin in 2002, we had a Libertarian running for Governor. He garnered approx. 12% of the vote. The republicans lost that race by about 4%. Now, not all 12% of those votes were republican votes (estimates are about 8% were) but it made the republicans look at ways for them to get that vote back. So even though we lost, we did shake the system a little.

This year most of my votes will go to third parties. I don't consider my votes wasted at all.

Markulas · Post by **Markulas** » November 7, 2006, 1:28 pm

That's a nice quote Winnow. I just voted today, and it felt great.

I think it's imperative to get the vote out today and participate in the process. After all 1/300 million is not zero!

Marbus · Post by **Marbus** » November 7, 2006, 2:24 pm

Agree, get out and participate

Chmee · Post by **Chmee** » November 7, 2006, 3:04 pm

One of my favorite election themed quotes.

The government consists of a gang of men exactly like you and me. They have, taking one with another, no special talent for the business of government; they have only a talent for getting and holding office. Their principal device to that end is to search out groups who pant and pine for something they can't get and to promise to give it to them. Nine times out of ten that promise is worth nothing. The tenth time is made good by looting A to satisfy B. In other words, government is a broker in pillage, and every election is sort of an advance auction sale of stolen goods.
- H. L. Mencken

Spang · Post by **Spang** » November 7, 2006, 4:04 pm

my reason for not voting isn't some kind of protest. i don't follow politics. i need to, but i don't. i wouldn't know who or what i was voting for. sure, i'm old enough to vote and registered but i'm not qulified.

i think in another thread i said something like vote for the person not the party. i believe that but to add, you should know who and what your're voting for too!

i don't vote, but at the same time i don't complain either.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » November 7, 2006, 4:15 pm

Spang wrote:my reason for not voting isn't some kind of protest. i don't follow politics. i need to, but i don't. i wouldn't know who or what i was voting for. sure, i'm old enough to vote and registered but i'm not qulified...

...i don't vote, but at the same time i don't complain either.

That's easy. If you're not upset enough to vote and don't complain, just vote republican across the board and stay the course!

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » November 7, 2006, 4:24 pm

I love voting. Eric and I made a date out of it and went out for breakfast beforehand.

People have far too many excuses for not voting. What it really comes down to is laziness and people just cant admit they are just being lazy.

Marbus · Post by **Marbus** » November 7, 2006, 4:37 pm

Marley and I had lunch at our favorite Habachi place then went to vote, was easy and painless... and I didn't even vote straight Democrat

mostly... heh... but not all as I knew some of the Republican's running, old friends from when I worked for the Dark Side... they are moderates though, which is really want I want more than any party affiliation.

Marb

Post by **Sylvus** » November 7, 2006, 5:10 pm

I think I was about as split as I could be. I voted for an independent, a democrat, two republicans, a couple libertarians and a green party. And yes on most of my propositions. Oh and one guy running for district court or something got a vote just because his name was Conan.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » November 7, 2006, 5:18 pm

Sylvus wrote:Oh and one guy running for district court or something got a vote just because his name was Conan.

Nice.

While I was living up in Reno, there was this borderline mentally retarded guy that ran for some district position and came within a few votes of actually winning. All he did was go through the process to add his name to the ballot.

When it gets down to those lower positions, most people don't have a clue who they're voting for. It would have been kinda of interesting to see him in office.

Truant · Post by **Truant** » November 7, 2006, 7:15 pm

just got back from voting.

Not sure why (I didn't ask), but we had paper ballots at my polling place.

Traz-KOE · Post by **Traz-KOE** » November 7, 2006, 7:26 pm

Truant wrote:Not sure why (I didn't ask), but we had paper ballots at my polling place.

Whereabouts are you? There have been lots of reports regarding problems with electronic ballot machines nationwide, and many districts have gone to paper ballots as a backup.

I'm shocked. Really.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » November 7, 2006, 8:24 pm

I'll be voting for a Republican Governator and two Democratic congressional/senators. GOGO GRIDLOCK!

Kaldaur · Post by **Kaldaur** » November 7, 2006, 8:27 pm

I am on my way to the polls now. I will be voting for a Green party candidate for governor. My state of Illinois has two crooks running right now; the incumbent, who is all about insider politics and putting Chicago first, and then Topinka, who is a relic from the George Ryan days of corruption. Expected polls put the Green Party candidate Whitney at 15% of the vote. That's going to be enough to sway the election considerably.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » November 7, 2006, 8:58 pm

masteen wrote:I'll be voting for a Republican Governator and two Democratic congressional/senators. GOGO GRIDLOCK!

Voted the same way, gridlock is a good thing at this point. First time I'd ever voted for a democrat IIRC.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » November 7, 2006, 10:28 pm

Truant wrote:just got back from voting.

Not sure why (I didn't ask), but we had paper ballots at my polling place.

We still had paper ballots too, I have voted at a few different places over the past few elections and it has always been paper.

Kaldaur · Post by **Kaldaur** » November 7, 2006, 11:11 pm

Same here Funk, I prefer the paper ballots. Electronic voting gives me the creeps. I think that some sort of trail is necessary for electronic voting, otherwise a hacker could systematically rewrite an election and we wouldn't have a clue about it.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » November 7, 2006, 11:57 pm

The fucking polls closed right when I got off work, so I guess I'm in the majority who didn't vote

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » November 8, 2006, 12:17 am

masteen wrote:The fucking polls closed right when I got off work, so I guess I'm in the majority who didn't vote

That would have happened to me as well, but I went BEFORE work!

Truant · Post by **Truant** » November 8, 2006, 1:39 am

Traz-KOE wrote:
Truant wrote:Not sure why (I didn't ask), but we had paper ballots at my polling place.
Whereabouts are you? There have been lots of reports regarding problems with electronic ballot machines nationwide, and many districts have gone to paper ballots as a backup.

I'm shocked. Really.

I'm in Dallas. I don't know if it's true with other states, but Texas is currently not requiring any kind of paper trail at all on electronic voting machines, so of course, there is none.

*shrug* I didn't mind coloring in the bubbles, course I still take scantron exams at school.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » November 8, 2006, 9:46 am

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/ ... states/FL/

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/

Aabidano wrote:First time I'd ever voted for a democrat IIRC.

I feel dirty.

Sendarie · Post by **Sendarie** » November 8, 2006, 11:59 am

So glad I got my absentee vote in this year.

Me + my wife = 2 of those Dem votes in VA.

First time I've really felt like my vote actually did something.

Now to just pray the Rep dont get their fingers too deep into the recount.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » November 8, 2006, 1:27 pm

At least my state did something right this election!

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/ ... 08-ON.html

Anti-gay marriage measure loses in Arizona

By Bob Baum
Associated Press
Nov. 8, 2006 06:36 AM

Voters in the historically conservative state of Arizona have become the first in the nation to reject a ballot measure banning same-sex marriage.

Twenty-seven other states have approved anti-gay marriage ballot measures, including seven on Tuesday. But by 51 percent to 49 percent, Arizonans voted down Proposition 107, which would have amended the state's Constitution to ban same-sex marriage...

The government's involvement with marriage needs to be eliminated altogether and be replaced by Civil Unions with additional child protection laws but this is a step in the right direction as there's no non bigoted reason gays shouldn't be able to marry currently to attempt to take advantage of protecting a "life partner's" assets.

-------

AZ also voted to raise the minimum wage.

VeeshanVault

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