Metropol

cdd wrote:Good for you.

You're wrong, cdd. Maybe it's just me actually wanting to vote as it's something my gender has had to fight to get but there's better ways to show your distaste for the candidates available than shredding your ballot or simply not voting. Then again, not like white men have never been able to vote so they can flout it if they want I suppose... carry on.

Nini wrote:

cdd wrote:Good for you.

You're wrong, cdd. Maybe it's just me actually wanting to vote as it's something my gender has had to fight to get but there's better ways to show your distaste for the candidates available than shredding your ballot or simply not voting. Then again, not like white men have never been able to vote so they can flout it if they want I suppose... carry on.

Agree complely Nini, there are many people in the world who can't vote or don't even have that option, and we all say that's wrong, and then only about 40% of us ever does!

It's a bit like the post office Use it or Loose it!

rfrancis51284 wrote:I stuck my ballot paper through the shredder. Decided not to vote this morning.

I think you mean your Poll Card, which of course you don't need to be able to vote. I'm sure that destroying a ballot slip is actually a crminal offence, as all have to be accounted for (even those spoiled and unused). I am assuming that the polling station isn't within your flat and you didn't utilise your portable shredder to simply make a criminal/political point.

StuartPlymouth wrote:

rfrancis51284 wrote:I stuck my ballot paper through the shredder. Decided not to vote this morning.

I think you mean your Poll Card, which of course you don't need to be able to vote. I'm sure that destroying a ballot slip is actually a crminal offence, as all have to be accounted for (even those spoiled and unused). I am assuming that the polling station isn't within your flat and you didn't utilise your portable shredder to simply make a criminal/political point.

I meant my poll card. Why am I so confused today? Anyhoo...

Nini wrote:

cdd wrote:Good for you.

You're wrong, cdd. Maybe it's just me actually wanting to vote as it's something my gender has had to fight to get but there's better ways to show your distaste for the candidates available than shredding your ballot or simply not voting. Then again, not like white men have never been able to vote so they can flout it if they want I suppose... carry on.

Now you're done I shall rather sheepishly point out I was being sarcastic...

Nini wrote:Then again, not like white men have never been able to vote so they can flout it if they want I suppose... carry on.

Nini, I had expected you to have a better historical knowledge of the UK's electoral franchise before making a statement on the subject.

Not all men, of whatever colour or religion, have always had the vote in this country. The chronological seperation between all men and all women getting the vote (age restrictions excepted) is remarkably narrow in this country when you consider the alleged origins of the parliamentary structure.

Historical accuracy aside, if people have the vote they should not throw it away and complain when someone they dislike runs the show. Democracy is something I strongly believe in and I believe in a better future today. Vote for me and I'll guarantee your views are heard and fix those potholes you see in the main street nearby. Will you consider voting for me in these upcoming elections?

Oops, channelled some politician there... um, vote as it's better than sitting on your thumb and worrying when the BNP come frogmarching into your local council or something.

Nini wrote:...if people have the vote they should not throw it away and complain when someone they dislike runs the show. Democracy is something I (edit) strongly believe in...

I concur. I also think we should have compulsory voting, then people have little to complain about.

Nini wrote:...worrying when the BNP come frogmarching into your local council or something.

Goose-step, surely?

Indeedy, democracy is good but not when forced onto people, does pretty much end up throwing out what democracy is when a vote is mandatory. Spoil a ballot if you want, works better than shredding your card and flatly stating " I won't vote so there, na-naa."

StuartPlymouth wrote:Goose-step, surely?

History remains to be not my strong point.

nodnirG kraM wrote:

StuartPlymouth wrote:I also think we should have compulsory voting

The freedom not to vote though is surely what a democracy stands upon.

In view of the current modern methods of voting available, which require even the most bone-idle of apathetic voters to simply log on to t'internet, or post their ballot paper - there is little excuse for not returning an opinion at all.

I didn't say compulsory voting for someone. Those who are entirely devoid of any democratic responsibility can simply return a 'no vote' on their ballot. At least then they would be unable to complain about the resultant unitary/county/national administration as it would be by majority consent and they will have confirmed their acceptance by voting in a fair election.

I suspect there would be far fewer 'no votes" under that system than there are people not bothering to turn out at present.

StuartPlymouth wrote:I'm sure that destroying a ballot slip is actually a crminal offence.

Not any more.

They had to do away with that bit of legislation when they made postal voting easier. Now it's perfectly legal for you to receive your Ballot Slip through the post, complete with Envelope A, the Declaration Form and Envelope B, then shove the whole damn lot through your shredder at home and not return them.