Most of my friends are voters. They scream at their peers to partake. There's no discussion, they just tell everyone that they should or they must. "You have to vote!"
I have to?
In that case I'm definitely not going to.
I might though.
Without really trying, I can think of three reasons:
1) The vote was hard-fought for, therefore we should use it, lest it be snatched from us and suffering ensues to get it back. It's a sensible point.
2) Not voting is like getting in a car and hoping it will go where you want it to without ever touching the steering wheel. I don't think it's as dangerous as that but it illustrates the principle.
3) As important as the vote itself are the mechanisms that facilitate it. Near-universal suffrage is underwritten by near-fair administrative processes. Should those be lost, there's no guarantee we'd regain them. In corrupt countries, the call for democracy is often met with a pretend answer.
Would we have to suffer to get the vote back? Maybe. The efficiency with which the population can cooperate and mobilise itself in the 21st century means that strike action and consumer boycotts would be easy to execute, however any kind of revolution would probably be accompanied by violence, so I feel that point 1) is valid under scrutiny.
What about the lack of a credible candidate? Hear, hear! Verily the contenders have some shocking stances, which means it's almost a good thing that they won't deliver on all their promises. Who would vote for such a bunch? To be fair, I don't always do everything I say I will either.
Do I have to vote? Not really. I reckon enough people will that I don't have to worry about point 1). Do I want to vote? The psychological benefits of feeling somewhat, albeit very loosely, involved in the fate of one's country seems worth the short walk to the polling station. Especially if they weather is nice.
I like the idea of going Green this time around. It's a snap election, so... I know, I know but just think for a minute: they're actually taking factors like happiness into account. I hear they're discussing a three-day weekend. It's not going to start raining emerald anytime soon but they belong ahead of UKIP.
I will leave you with one of the more entertaining fruits of the electoral system: dancing and rapping politician videos. Because if life isn't enjoyable, there's no point in any of us voting.
I have to?
In that case I'm definitely not going to.
I might though.
Without really trying, I can think of three reasons:
1) The vote was hard-fought for, therefore we should use it, lest it be snatched from us and suffering ensues to get it back. It's a sensible point.
2) Not voting is like getting in a car and hoping it will go where you want it to without ever touching the steering wheel. I don't think it's as dangerous as that but it illustrates the principle.
3) As important as the vote itself are the mechanisms that facilitate it. Near-universal suffrage is underwritten by near-fair administrative processes. Should those be lost, there's no guarantee we'd regain them. In corrupt countries, the call for democracy is often met with a pretend answer.
Would we have to suffer to get the vote back? Maybe. The efficiency with which the population can cooperate and mobilise itself in the 21st century means that strike action and consumer boycotts would be easy to execute, however any kind of revolution would probably be accompanied by violence, so I feel that point 1) is valid under scrutiny.
What about the lack of a credible candidate? Hear, hear! Verily the contenders have some shocking stances, which means it's almost a good thing that they won't deliver on all their promises. Who would vote for such a bunch? To be fair, I don't always do everything I say I will either.
Do I have to vote? Not really. I reckon enough people will that I don't have to worry about point 1). Do I want to vote? The psychological benefits of feeling somewhat, albeit very loosely, involved in the fate of one's country seems worth the short walk to the polling station. Especially if they weather is nice.
I like the idea of going Green this time around. It's a snap election, so... I know, I know but just think for a minute: they're actually taking factors like happiness into account. I hear they're discussing a three-day weekend. It's not going to start raining emerald anytime soon but they belong ahead of UKIP.
I will leave you with one of the more entertaining fruits of the electoral system: dancing and rapping politician videos. Because if life isn't enjoyable, there's no point in any of us voting.
3 comments
V good reasons to vote.
The videos won't open on my iPad.
:) :)
Having completely lost faith in any party because they uniformly just keep messing up, I am encouraged to do so again as Labour seem to be addressing some of my main grievances like low taxes on the wealthy and big corporations and Uni fees. I really hope their 'giving' and spending policies don't break the bank again tho......
In principle I agree with pretty much all of their manifesto but am concerned it sounds too good to be true.....it's difficult.
I'm absolutely convinced though that a fairer distribution of wealth = a happier society, so to that end I'm duty bound to try to get the Tories out.
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