None of the above

[davegw]

A question about democracy in the UK.

Looking at this chart Voting in General elections in the UK has been dropping dramatically since 1950.

I discussed this with SWMBO a while ago and discovered that she had never voted in a general election (she has voted in Locals).

I've always been bought up to believe that you should always exercise your democratic right to vote, even if you spoil your paper. She didn't see the difference between that and not voting at all. She explained that the reason she didn't vote was generally because she felt that all politicians are the same. We had some debate about the real differences between political parties, but in the end had to agree to differ.

Personally I believe that it should be illegal not to vote, but that there should be an option on the ballot for none of the above.

I intend to submit a petition on the number 10 website, but as that's closed until september I thought I'd try a quick poll on here to see what others think.

 

[Shultzy]

I have long held the belief that everybody should have to vote, but an abstention or "none of the above " should be available. Not only does this give a true reflection of the populations voting habits, but it forces the "I can't be bothered " brigade to make a decision.

 

[lurker]

The Monster raving loony party used to perform this valuable service, but yes I agree that voting ought to be mandatory.

When you think of the poor sods dying around the world for the rights we take for granted................

 

[Gill]

There's already enough prescribed behaviour from the state.

Gill

 

[woodbloke]

The Monster raving loony party used to perform this valuable service, but yes I agree that voting ought to be mandatory.

When you think of the poor sods dying around the world for the rights we take for granted................

I'm not sure that it ought to be mandatory but I do think that there ought to be more awareness of just how good our electoral system is compared to other parts of the world...Mugabe springs to mind, wonder why :-k

 

[motownmartin]

I'm not sure about being forced t do something that we may not want to, those that don't vote are just confused and and not sure who to vote for, seems a bit pointless to wander to the polling station not to vote :?

 

[tnimble]

No, but there should be an option on the ballot paper - "None of the Above".

Mind that voting and democracy have little to do with each other. The only pure democratic society would be either be an anarchistic or one where for each and every or at least the majority of legislation choices a referendum must be held. Both situations are bad for any country. Creating legislation and monitoring its workings is a complicated and delicate matter. Of which most part of the dēmos is not capable of, they only think shortterm, are not capable of self-sacrifice, have no true ethic understanding, etcetera.

These attributes also apply more and more to the people that are ellectable. One of the many downsides of the non-stratigraphic society. Everything including justice, ethics, moral, kindness, etc tends to drop to underclass.

The way a country is run and how many freedom its people have does not depend on how the ruling class is elected once in a while or is selected by the previous ruling class. Its the type of people that make up the ruling class.

 

[NickWelford]

I think that this country is not a democracy at all. True, we get to vote for some politicians from time to time, but they do not necessarily follow the wishes of their electorate. In my view, Party politics is corrupt.

 

[davegw]

I think that this country is not a democracy at all. True, we get to vote for some politicians from time to time, but they do not necessarily follow the wishes of their electorate. In my view, Party politics is corrupt.

That's pretty much what my wife believes Nick, and why I think the "None of the above option" is a good one.

Not voting allows the politicians to argue that given the general apathy, they can't be doing that bad a job (I've heard them, all parties, all colours). If in an 100% turn out 55% of the electorate voted for "None of the above" some major changes would have to take place, at least you'd hope so.

 

[StevieB]

If you say there should be compulsory voting, how do you plan to police this and what would the penalty be for not voting? How about the million people who were ill on voting day, or were run over, or were delayed by a rail strike, or any one of a number of reasonable reasons why they couldnt be at a certain point in space at a certain point in time?

Compulsory voting is not the answer, an option of 'none of the above' may increase turnout but not to 100%. We have to accept that there is a substantial section of the population who are not interested in politics full stop. Making them then go out and vote will simply instill resentment even further I feel.

Steve.

 

[tnimble]

We have to accept that there is a substantial section of the population who are not interested in politics full stop. Making them then go out and vote will simply instill resentment even further I feel.

Indeed

 

[davegw]

We have to accept that there is a substantial section of the population who are not interested in politics full stop. Making them then go out and vote will simply instill resentment even further I feel.

Indeed

It's already the case in Australia and Canada and I'm sure there are other countries.

 

[Gill]

I think that this country is not a democracy at all. True, we get to vote for some politicians from time to time, but they do not necessarily follow the wishes of their electorate. In my view, Party politics is corrupt.

Goodness gracious, there's someone here who shares one of my opinions !

I bet there's nobody here who shares my belief that it doesn't matter who gets elected, the wealthy will continue to eat off the silver salvers and the poor will have to scrabble for the bones. Elections are a sop to mislead the hoi polloi into thinking they are enfranchised. They are not.

Gill

 

[NickWelford]

Gill - agree with you completely!

Dave - don't get me wrong - I always make a point of voting. However, I don't think it makes much difference in the end.

I believe in having a vote, and not using it is abdicating a responsibility. I just wish there was someone worthwhile to vote for.

 

[mailee]

Well Nick and Gill I am with you both. I too feel that no matter who gets in they are there for their own ends. OK a bit blunt maybe but all the same they don't want to do this job for no reason, or to make the country a better place. As Gill states the rich will still eat quale while we eat cake, (Heard that somewhere? ) :lol: It is a pity the raving looney party sin't still on the go as these might have been a better option. :lol: Oh, I do vote by the way but have no idea why anymore?

 

[pren]

A couple of months ago, a postal voting form plopped its way through my letterbox. Not sure if it was for local political or local council elections (is there a difference?). I had no idea who the candidates were or what they stood for. I'm sure there was a big hoo-hah in the local papers about it, but I'm afraid it all passed me by.

There was no option for none-of-the-above, IIRC, so I ended up voting for one bloke due to his comical beard and another woman due to her frighteningly plucked eyebrows. The other lucky hopefuls were selected on a stricktly: 'eeny, meeny, miney, mo' basis. :roll:

I believe that if voting were to become mandatory, with no 'NOTA' option, then this sort of uninformed selection would be commonplace, invalidating the whole process.

I'd have to say that I'm very much one of the 'not bothered brigade' when it comes to politics. Those who are in charge will do what they want, regardless, IMO. Those MP's/PM's who really do want to do right by their country will probably become so en-mired in bureaucracy, red tape and 'millstone legacies' that all enthusiasm for the fight will fizzle out and die, leaving grey, hollowed out husks of men running the country.

Pretty much a case of 'Different ****, same smell', IMHO. :roll:

Bryn

 

[Digit]

You're not on your own Gill.

Roy.