kittikat 0 #1 October 30, 2006 Hi - I'm trying to write an essay on whether or not voting is important and I could use some ideas and opinions! I am trying to take a slightly different approach (I think most people would automatically say voting is essential to a democracy, so I want my essay to not read the same as every other). I am planning on arguing that since most people don't really follow or care about politics that most votes are not really important but only serve to make each election more and more a popularity contest. While a person who follows politics, and has intelligent, thought-out opinions on most controversial points has a very important vote, a lot of people don't put much or any thought or effort into it, and I think that takes away from the system. I'm not trying to start any kind of argument, I'm just looking for different thoughts and ideas. This is based on the Canadian system, if anyone is thinking of examples.... So - is each vote equally important, or is low voter turnout completely acceptable because if people don't care or want to learn then their vote shouldn't be cast? Thanks for your help! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #2 October 30, 2006 QuoteHi - I'm trying to write an essay on whether or not voting is important and I could use some ideas and opinions! I am trying to take a slightly different approach (I think most people would automatically say voting is essential to a democracy, so I want my essay to not read the same as every other). I am planning on arguing that since most people don't really follow or care about politics that most votes are not really important but only serve to make each election more and more a popularity contest. While a person who follows politics, and has intelligent, thought-out opinions on most controversial points has a very important vote, a lot of people don't put much or any thought or effort into it, and I think that takes away from the system. I'm not trying to start any kind of argument, I'm just looking for different thoughts and ideas. This is based on the Canadian system, if anyone is thinking of examples.... So - is each vote equally important, or is low voter turnout completely acceptable because if people don't care or want to learn then their vote shouldn't be cast? Thanks for your help!Yes. It's so important they are coming back from the grave to vote>http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS05/610290334/1021I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kittikat 0 #3 October 31, 2006 Didn't you see the part about being Canadian?! Otherwise you have an excellent point, but I don't think Canadians politics this seriously! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #4 October 31, 2006 An arguement can be made that the ability to vote is what really counts. The most recent Canadian election had a higher voter turnout than the past several elections. The result was to toss the government out. Perhaps it's ok not to vote as long as you are happy with the status quo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #5 October 31, 2006 QuoteSo - is each vote equally important, or is low voter turnout completely acceptable because if people don't care or want to learn then their vote shouldn't be cast? Not all votes are created equal.... sure what goes into the ballot box should be equal.. but with the current K Street Follies.... most of the votes do not count anyway.. only the special interests and lobyists buying influence is important.... AND THEN.. we have the voting machines that are so easily hacked by companies with partisan motives.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Calvin19 0 #6 October 31, 2006 no ideas or options, but i have an opinion. I think its hopeless, not pointless. I have better things to do with my life than learn why i should vote for this guy not this guy. i would rather be BASE jumping or paragliding. -SPACE- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #7 October 31, 2006 QuoteDidn't you see the part about being Canadian?! Otherwise you have an excellent point, but I don't think Canadians politics this seriously! My kid is studying geography in American public schools. He came home and told me the other day New York WAS in Canada. Or visa versaI hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kittikat 0 #8 October 31, 2006 QuoteAn argument can be made that the ability to vote is what really counts. The most recent Canadian election had a higher voter turnout than the past several elections. The result was to toss the government out. Perhaps it's ok not to vote as long as you are happy with the status quo. Thanks for everyones replies. This is a really excellent point, I never thought of it but I guess a lot of people would get complacent when everything is going alright and not bother voting until they feel strongly one way or another. Thankyou. Amazon also has good points, although the essay will be way too short to open that can of worms.... and I don't know nearly enough about what went on, or what is speculation or factual. I've heard of quite a few cases of things like this happening though, in many countries. Really gives democracy a good name. So what does everyone think about an uniformed vote? Is it good, because they are exercising their democratic right and adding their input, or are they merely diluting the votes and making the person who understands politics and has that thought out, well informed vote worth a little bit less? I'm obviously a little biased, but would love to hear other ideas! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kittikat 0 #9 October 31, 2006 QuoteQuoteDidn't you see the part about being Canadian?! Otherwise you have an excellent point, but I don't think Canadians take politics this seriously! My kid is studying geography in American public schools. He came home and told me the other day New York WAS in Canada. Or visa versa I'd love to make some kind of American school system joke here, but I'm not sure the education I got from a Canadian public school was much better... As long as he reads enough hopefully he'll figure it out someday! But it was really nice of you to go to all the trouble of starting a war over our twin towers being blown up - very big brotherly! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #10 October 31, 2006 Quote So what does everyone think about an uniformed vote? Is it good, because they are exercising their democratic right and adding their input, or are they merely diluting the votes and making the person who understands politics and has that thought out, well informed vote worth a little bit less? I'm obviously a little biased, but would love to hear other ideas! It smacks badly of elitism. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #11 October 31, 2006 QuoteYes. It's so important they are coming back from the grave to vote>http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS05/610290334/1021 Wow... when did Daley move to New Yawk?? Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
