Do people have a right to voice an opinion about politicians if they didn't vote?

Question

There was a time that people fought for the right to vote and now the number of people who actually vote is disgraceful. I'm tired of hearing people complain about the President and other politicians when it turns out that they aren't even registered voters. I feel like I have earned my right to an opinion with my vote. What do you think?

Ok, maybe I should have worded it differently. I firmly believe in our constitutional rights and freedom of speech, but there are too many people out there who do nothing but complain. We have the power to change things! Some say they don't believe in our voting system. Well, vote for change! Run for government! Do something!!!

Answer 1

They can certainly voice their opinion, but they have no room to complain.

Answer 2

If you don't vote, don't complain. If you did not exercise your right and duty as American citizen, you are part of the problem. If you want things to change stand up and be counted. Let your vote be your voice to help make the changes you want to see happen, but don't just sit back and whine and moan about the idiot we have as a "president" if you didn't make the effort to vote for someone else! I'm passionate about voting, in the last election I was moving to a new state a month before the election. I could not vote in my new home state because I missed the registration window, so I applied for an absentee ballot in the state where I was registered and mailed in my vote ahead of time. You do what you have to do to let your voice be heard. I hate the lame excuses people give for not voting, I was working, I didn't like anyone that was running, the voting place is out of my way, blah blah, blah! I don't care just get out there and VOTE!!!!!

Answer 3

I'm not sure what annoys me more not voting and complaining or voting ignorantly, then complaining. I think complaining isn't about rights it's about people they are going to complain and that's about the size of it. If we're talking about American Idol, I didn't vote but Taylor was one of the worst performers on there. I think Chris got robbed and should have won. It's a sad statement that more people voted for that then the presidental election. If more people had voted maybe Chris would have won.

Answer 4

There are a significant number of people out there who don't like either candidate put forth by the Republocrats.

Sometimes the choice between candidates is like choosing which screwdriver to stab in your eye - choosing neither doesn't mean you can't have an opinion on eye-poking.

I personally would like to see every ballot have a "none of the above" option. That would clearly differentiate between the people who are actually abstaining from voting due to a lack of acceptible candidates and those who just didn't vote from apathy.

Answer 5

NO THEY DON'T
The only time your opinion counts is when you Vote.
If you are too lazy to Vote then you need to shut up.
More people on here post their opinion then actually voted for president.
If all the people that complained about Bush actually voted maybe the election would have been different.
But if you don't Vote your stupid and Lazy!

Answer 6

I've always felt that way. But it's your right not to vote & to voice your opinion. It doesn't make sense, but oh well.
My view is if you also pay taxes that should be more incentive TO vote, even if you put your own name as a write-in candidate.

A short story:
My dad was a hard core 30-yr military man who saw combat in two wars & religious about voting. He told me an American is someone who is willing to go half-way around the world to fight for democracy, but won't walk across the street to participate in it. ;-)

Answer 7

Everyone who pays taxes has a right to voice their opinion. Remember WE pay their salaries! And whether you voted or not doesn't change that.

And does anyone really believe that their vote counts? It's the popular vote that is cast by americans, which has nothing to do with who gets elected! Read up on your civics, it's true.

Answer 8

Everyone has a right to an opinion but I don't think they have the right to complain since they didn't exercise the right to vote.

Answer 9

If they want to complain they need to vote. More people voted for American Idol than voted for President

Answer 10

I agree with you. I firmly believe in the right to free speech however, if you don't vote, DON'T COMPLAIN. It is very simple to vote and nearly everyone can do it. So if you don't, don't bother whining to me!

Answer 11

According to the Constitution they have a right not to vote and have an opinion unfortunately.