In your own words, what does voting mean to you?

Question

Over 200 years ago we've been given the right to be heard as equals and allowed to vote for the best leader for our country. Futile systems, monarchys and dictatorships limit human rights and claim their right to power.
When you register as a democrat,republican,etc, do you choose it because your family chose it or should you know what it means to be,represent and support that party name?Should we vote blindly in support of our party name?
There are other,more repressed countries in the world who have just started having a democracy and a voting privilage.Though they and their families are threated to be put to death if they show up to vote these countries still have a 98% voting attendance rate. Americas turnout is less than 40%. Why? Before the sixties movement America also had a 98% voting attendance record thus producing such leaders as Lincoln,Truman,and Kennedy. Nixon,Regan,and The Bush's follow the decline of voters. Do you feel your 1 vote doesn't count?Why?

Answer 1

Voting is a privledge granted to U.S. citizens in order to help shape our countries growth and interests. I do feel that my 1 vote matters and so should all Americans. If you don't vote, you have no right to complain about what happens in this country. By not voting you're saying that you don't care what goes on in Washington or around the world. Don't take your freedom for granted, stay informed on current events and help our country be governed by the people as it should be. This country was formed by hard work and sacrifice, it's not too hard for every American to take an hour to vote for the best person for the job of being our president. Being a Republican or Democrat is not the issue, being an American with a voice is your right, exercise it, please!

Answer 2

Hi todd.

The idea behind voting is appealing. Though, it seems to me that it is all a charade. Thus, voting is meaningless. Why?

1. Because the uneducated and the easily manipulated are the dominant groups in this nation. You've got rich politicians that get donations from other rich people to sway voters from left to right and reverse. That's why we keep seeing those commercials that says 'VOTE yes on prop XXX.' It's like they are trying to sell you a product rather then to educate you without bias on the given issue. And sadly, many people buy into this. They buy into all the media's rhetoric.

2. They say if you don't vote you have no right to complain. But where's the logic in that? If you vote for an incompetent guy who screws everything thing up for a couple years, then you, that voted for him, is responsible. You have no right to complain. I, on the other hand, who did not approve of him to go to the office have every right to complain for the mess that he created.

3. When it comes to electing the President, voting seems very useless. Why? because of the electoral college. If you live in California, your vote for a republican president will never mean a thing. It will get gobbled up by all the democrat ones. The same goes for all the red states in between. There are only a few swing states where they vote matters.

4. There are always errors when it comes to voting. Yet, there exists no neutral entity that counts all the votes with precision. This allows a lot of room for fraud. Because of this, it creates the idea that my vote doesn't count.

I understand the value of voting but I feel that this right has been manipulated by the powerful people in this country.

P.s. I can't write as well as you, but I'm working on it! Good question. You answered well in that army recruiter question btw.

Answer 3

Not sure on your statistics but agree those who vote have declined over the years. Simple fact is: People like Ted Kennedy wouldn't be in office if everyone legal to vote expressed their feelings at the ballot box. Another claim I believe is true; most of the people I know that get the most angry about political decisions are not registered to vote!

I also notice that legal voters that vote total party line are most ignorant about politics. An example would be: A conservative feeling violated by "Roe - Wade" but is totally against the right to own a handgun!

By my count, most of the everyday conversations I have with people about politics says; most legal voters shouldn't go to the poles unless they can prove they understand why they are voting and know who they are voting for.

Guess I believe it counts.

Answer 4

ill enumerate my problems with this....

1-at this point in history, monarchies seem to be archane, old systems that repress people - but this wasnt always true. and there is, conversly, something to be said about a tyrannical majority (think angry mob w/ pitch forks) who rules over the oppressed minority.

2-we should all vote, i agree. and we should all vote based on the issues and the individuals - that's cliche, but important. what media has done to our elections, has effectively destroyed this country's chances of ever getting the best fot the job. this is why we get pretty boys, superficial, wishy-washy politicians w/o backbones : they have to appeal to our senses and popularity index.

3-the highest turn outs in US history barely passed 80% - 1864, 1900, 1904 and 1908. these were, however, all pre-women's suffrage. plus, the idea that only 40% of us are voting isnt necessarily the reason our candidates are not the cream of the crop - even those who do vote are highly uneducated when it comes to the issues. those who arent voting at all are probably less knowledgeable about what makes a good president.

4-a couple of tidbits- kennedy was not one of the greats; and truman's legacy is flawed (hiroshima anyone?). moreover, like them or not, nixon and reagan took the biggest landslides of any presidents in history while kennedy won with about 49%; and Lincoln w/ about 40%. Lincoln's expansion of exec power is also a concern to many. i also have to defends Nixon's strategy of soviet detente and supreme for relations (he was a contrast to GW Bush, and we could use someone with his level-headedness these days)

5-overall, i agree that people should vote; but if they dont know what they're voting for; and listen to everything they're told by the media about the candidates, then maybe its for the best.

Answer 5

I am a democrat. I left the party after I noticed it was getting more and more socialist, more and more seditious.
I returned when I realized that it was my responsibility that it happened (I was silent).
My vote may bring back some patriotism to the democratic party (my little, tiny bit).

If our votes didn't count, why is everyone so desperate to get our vote? Why spend millions to get people to vote for you or against someone else/something else? IF it was all rigged, why the effort?

The whole argument of our vote being useless is silly. Minor, yes. Useless? Never.

Answer 6

Referencing the sharp and satirically hilarious show South Park, voting comes down to a simple decision of choosing between a giant douche or a turd sandwich. Its up to you do decide which one is less of a turd or a douche.

There's never a perfect candidate.

Answer 7

Voting is to choose the leaders. It is the only right and chance of an individual to select who he presumed is the right candidate to have authority over his person and country.

Answer 8

what voting means to me is none of your business!what the f*ck is the point of this stupid question?You are not running a contest with a $$ prize,so why should anyone waste time with this bullshit! Sounds like high school..............

Answer 9

making sure some screwy people dont get in thats what voting is for but usually back fires