I see two reasons: 1. To force others to live their lives in a way that the voter deems 'proper' or right; and 2. To get 'free' stuff (ex. welfare and other subsidies) from the government at the expense of someone else.
Are there any others?
2007-02-06 08:28:32 · 22 answers · asked by Jo Blo 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
As an Aussie its because we have too!! It is compulsory in Australia, if you don't you are fined. Aside from that regard it as a right and honour to do so! Plus I want control of my political destiny...I think the reasons you stated are unreasonable, arrogant and condescending!
2007-02-08 19:54:21 · answer #1 · answered by kanga 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we live in a society with a government that is for the people, by the people. If you want a voice in what happens, you must vote.
You may think that because your candidate lost or your elected official has different ideas than you do, that what is the use of voting. How will your voice ever be heard if you don't vote for or against a candidate.
Do you have any idea how hard it was for anyone but a white male to get the right to vote? You should be grateful that someone was there to fight that battle for you because it sounds as if you wouldn't have bothered.
Also, if you think this is such a bad society, try living somewhere where there is not a democracy.
2007-02-06 08:38:04 · answer #2 · answered by mei-lin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, to send a message. To vote for candidates who actually uphold and defend the United States Constitution. Example: Congressman Ron Paul.
The choices may not always be so great. McCain, Guilianni, Clinton, Obama. What's the difference between these four "frontrunners" as determined by the owners of the Federal Reserve?
The bottom line for me, is that voting is part of citizenship. It's just a link in the chain but voting alone is hardly an example of exemplary citizenship. It's only the tip of the iceberg.
2007-02-06 21:21:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes, voting can make a difference in public policy. If you lived in one of the 40 or so U.S. house districts or six or so states where the senate seat was in play in 2006, you had an opportunity to retain or turn over control of 2/3s of the government. Infrequently, but importantly, voting makes a significant difference. Most people vote either out of a sense of obligation, and with little consideration, or out of anger over a single issue, or because they like the perceived personality of a candidate (without knowing much about what that person will do or has done).
2007-02-06 10:24:37 · answer #4 · answered by Umgawah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about to try to keep others from forcing THEM to live in a way the administration deems proper? Until women had the right to vote, many didn't have the right to have their own bank account or even (not making this up) the right to custody of their own children in the event of a divorce. Until women had the right to vote, the age of consent for girls was in the early teens. Maybe instead of FORCING people to do things, voting is a way of officially expression one's opinion in the attempt to come to a consensus?
2007-02-06 08:34:12 · answer #5 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
According to the last election check, there was a massive upswing in voter turnout and 24% of the population voted. If a "massive upswing" only turns out under a quarter of the total population, people don't vote.
And for the record, usually those who get welfare are too busy either trying to survive (if they are for real) or looking for more ways to screw people out of their money (if they are trying to take advantage of it) to vote. So your number 2 is out the window.
Number 1 is certainly accurate. Be a Christian or pretend you care about the less fortunate, the truth is most of us vote for the one with the best hair.
2007-02-06 08:34:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can see your point, but I would say the reasons to vote would be: what the government does affects everything you do, and voting is the easiest way of controlling those who control you. If you are in America then there is even more reason to vote, just to stop George Bush causing anymore damage. Remember people died for the right to vote.
2007-02-06 08:35:01 · answer #7 · answered by FlorenceMay 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's what you have 2, no more. years ago, Ross Perot run for president, he was honest and nobody voted for him.
Americans like when politician lie at them.
look at Hillary, she had 8 years to take care of health insurance for all Americans, what did she do? nothing!
now she comes to yahoo and ask what she can do, what a f**king liar. and you all (or most of you ) will fall for it.
I hope Nader or somebody else will run for president, I think "Ross" would have a good chance in 2008, if he would start to lie a little
2007-02-06 08:44:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the fact that we have the right to vote in this country is an amazing privlage and I am going to excersize that right. Anyone who does not vote has no right to complain about the way the country is run.
2007-02-06 08:31:45 · answer #9 · answered by peeps 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because if they don't vote then they will get someone in office that doesn't represent their views and how they want their city/state/nation governed.
2007-02-06 08:31:46 · answer #10 · answered by T 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋