Do you make a more significant statement by submitting a blank ballot or by simply not going to the polls?

Question

Some argue that if you don't vote, you can't complain. Some counter by saying "I CHOSE not to vote." I'm interested in your sincere thoughts on this, considering countries around the world where people will travel miles and risk their lives to vote, while we in the USA produce such small voter turnout numbers. Thank you.

Answer 1

I think the most significant statement you can make is to show up at the polling place and vote.

Consider this:
Why do you think we offer a free education to everyone in the US? It's because we want to maintain democracy and we can't do that without an educated citizenry. If the citizens won't utilize the freedoms they have, they are doomed to loose them.

Answer 2

I find either argument to be the lazy man's way out of voting. NEITHER makes a statement, as no one is going to hear your lack of voting as a statement. When you go to the polls and actually cast your ballot for what YOU think is right, THAT is what makes a statement. If you CHOSE not to vote, you're just a lame-*** whiner with no convictions and nothing to back it up. You havne't made any efforts to affect change, you've just sat back and let the election happen.

People in the US will complain about ANYTHING. They complain if they have to wait 10 minutes in line to vote. They complain if they have to use a No. 2 pencil to vote. And all the while they are complaining people in other countries would sacrifice limbs to be able to vote and have a say in where their country is going.

I stick by the saying that if you don't vote, you have NO right to complain. Voting is a right that VERY few people have; if you choose to ignore that right, you deserve everything you get.

Answer 3

No real offense meant but the Q is inane,,,as would be either choice you suggest.

I agree however that by not voting, one has no right to complain.

Submitting a blank ballot is the same as staying at home, sitting on the sofa, eating Cheetos, drinking a Coke, and watching polls of current candidates, while screaming outloud all your deriding remarks of who you think "Should Be Elected"

The answer regarding low voter turn out is apathy. The result is that a very few, elect the One, and often those "few" are in opposition to our views, as we decide that voting is wasting our time.

Rev. Steven

BTW,,,, Be thankful,,, no matter your views, that you're offered the ability and privilege to VOTE!

Answer 4

The people who choose not to vote, in my experience, are also the ones who are quick to criticize. To that end, their arguments appear unfounded. Choosing not to vote isn't a statement at all. It accomplishes nothing, the same way that walking in circles accomplishes nothing. It's not a powerful statement, it's taking for granted the freedoms that this country grants us. The few times that our 'voices' are heard as individuals is when we vote. If we give up our voice then, we might as well remain silent forever. I know people who said that they choose not to vote, they're also lazy and stupid. Maybe it's better that they didn't make the wrong choice, or have an aneurysm trying to figure out what a hanging chad is.

Answer 5

Others argue that the results of the election on the west coast can change a person's mind and that person could vote on who is ahead. Then there is the whole Bush and Florida thing. And finally, if you want to protest, but still vote, you can vote for what you want and then you can always write in Mickey Mouse for one of the candidates.

Answer 6

i think all should vote. most of the time you are selecting the lesser of two evils, but that's what needs to be done. i always say that if you don't vote, you don't get to complain. you have NO say if you can't get your *** out there and make a decision. it is very disrespectful to other nations who go through so much to cast a vote and all americans have to do is go down the road a couple blocks if that to cast a vote. americans need to get off their butts and start taking a more active role. f'in VOTE people.

Answer 7

Let's see, a blank ballot will be seen by no one and it doesn't have your name on it so it isn't identifiable and you left it blank in a booth with only Jesus watching. Not much of a statement. Let's say you just don't vote. Well now you are part of the majority of U.S. citizens. How about this, got to the polls, get your ballot, light it on fire in front of a TV camera. Or you could just burn a flag.

Answer 8

I think that if you don't vote you have given up your right to complain.

If you didn't like what was happening you should have gone to the polls and let it be known through voting.

The bottom line is if you didn't voice your opinion when it counted don't waste your breath now.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

In my opinion if you "choose not to vote" you are not saying anything but that you don't care enough to have an opinion. The people who choose not to vote should choose to keep their mouth shut if they don't like who gets elected.