When the next election comes around, do you think it a wasted vote to put your cross for the green party?

Question

Do you think it is a waste of time voting for the green party, or a good thing? If you drive, some of their policies will not suit you...

I will BARROWMA, only it's not fat!
Good answer, Thanks...

Answer 1

The only wasted vote is the one that isn't cast. There is no such thing as a protest vote - nobody counts them. There is no such thing as an abstention - nobody counts them. So when the election comes along get off your fat sofa and VOTE, VOTE, VOTE.

Answer 2

No it certainly isn't a wasted vote. I have always been of the opinion that you should vote for whatever party you most agree with. For me, that's the Green Party.

Somebody said above that your vote might not help a Green candidate get elected under the "first past the post" system, but it might just save a deposit - which is never a bad thing for a minor party under that system. Also whether they have any MPs or not, the more votes the Green party get, the more political clout they have as a pressure group.

So yes, it is very much worth voting Green (the only truly international party). No matter what country your in or what the electoral system is, every vote helps.

Answer 3

Voting Green is not a wasted vote. Green issues are very much to the fore here in UK right now. At this very moment there is a Green Car exhibition going on down in Cornwall. There's a lot of interest in this. Did you know, something I only found out today, that when Henry Ford produced the first ever mass produced car in the world, the Model-T, he intended it to be run on ethanol, claiming that petrol was a fuel of the past. That was in c1908. We've now come full circle and back where Henry Ford wanted us to be. Fossil fuels are doing our planet in.

By all means vote Green. I may not do so, particularly if I am convinced that either Lab or Con will go down the Green Road. Looks very much like the Cameroonians are doing just that.

Answer 4

For me it is a wasted vote, it takes my vote away from one of the major party's, however a vote for the green's is not a wasted vote for many. They are speaking up, their voice will be heard if their numbers get significant enough votes. Even if they can not win a office the votes speak for those that cast it for the greens. The only thing that really bothers me about it is a vote for the greens is a vote less for the democratic party and could end up losing an election against a repuglican and after these last 6 years we know that would not be good in any way.

Answer 5

This is something I've been struggling with, actually. I'll admit, I've become really disenchanted with the 2 party system. I've been keeping a close eye on Nader for a long time now, and I must say, I think he is a person who is more dedicated to his principles than the vast majority of politicians. I'm unsure how I'll be voting, but what I will say is that I definately don't think people should be faulted for voting their conscience. It's certainly better than not voting at all, so if that's what you want to do, I tip my hat to you. Personally, I think a parliament is a much better system. Then people could feel free to vote beyond 2 parties, knowing that their party would still be represented somewhat in the government.

Answer 6

Not sure which election you mean, but if its the UK election I think it is a wasted vote, since I don't believe the greens have much chance of getting anybody elected under the first past the post system.

Here in Scotland its a bit different, since they already have a few MSP's (7, I think) voted in through our version of PR. I'm kind of still considering whether to vote for them in the Scottish election in May. Might be a good option to vote for them on the list vote.

I don't know if a Green government in the UK (or executive in here in Scotland) would be good for the country. I do think they do some good as a pressure group though, since they force the major parties to consider Green issues to a greater extent.

Answer 7

Local, European or General?

Votes are never wasted, only ineffective. If you really want a political party to win you have to do more than vote for them, think about joining them and convincing others to vote for them

Answer 8

No. Using ones vote is never a waste of time!! There will always be issues within a particular party that we disagree with.One has to look at the wider picture.

Answer 9

I don't believe ANY vote for someone- is "wasted". We ALL have priorities, & values, & they ALL count for something- somewhere. Every candidate of any merit KNOWS that; & keeps an eye on the other ones- to see WHY people are voting for THEM. We all should vote our "consciences"- because that's the thing we all live with- most.

Answer 10

Regardless of how you vote, VOTE!! And vote for that in which you believe, regardless of party. NEVER vote straight party, unless you truly believe all of the candidates are the ones who should be elected.