Why is voting only for your party's candidates wrong to some?

Question

Political parties are made up of a coaliton of people who share similar interest. Since this is the case, I think it would be ridiculous to vote for somone from a party that does not share your interests. If they belived as you do, they would have joined the same team as you.

Answer 1

Many people have a problem with the concept that a poltical party should reflect a political agenda and policy choices. As such, they think that voters should independently analyze each candidate's character and stands on the issues.

What most of the people who criticize party-line voting fail to take into account is what happens after the election. In most major democracies (including the United States), legislatures tend to be organized by political party. The party with the majority in the legislature gains control over what issues are considered in committee and what bills are brought to the floor. Even the most brilliant and creative member of a legislature can't get that legislation to the floor and passed without the support of the party in the majority. This fact makes it difficult for a member of the minority to pass legislation. It also makes it difficult for a legislator to pass laws that are outside the "mainstream" of their own party. As a former legislator once told me, the most important vote that he cast each session was for the speaker of the house (generally a party-line vote).

In short, in most circumstances, I am more likely to get the policy results that I desire by voting for a candidate from my party (even if I disagree with many of the positions that she takes where she differs from the party) because that vote will give my party control over the agenda and allow my issues to be addressed. While I might agree with the individual positions of the candidate from the other party, if his party gains control over the agenda, they will not let my issues come to the floor.

Answer 2

One of your responders made an excellent point about being conservative on some issues and liberal on others. I too am more liberal on social issues than my party affiliation. However, the safety of our country takes precedence over any other issue at this time. Which means we must keep a strong military. This is my opinion of course, but that is how we sort our how we vote. I can support elimination of the death penalty and enhance gun control, but I do want to protect life and keep our country safe!

I'm good because I have good information. Maybe these sites will help you start closing in on your best choice!

ME? I am voting for the Republican Ticket to keep the USA safe! I match up with MIKE HUCKABEE the best on the Candidate Calculator.

ELECTION 11/4/2008: THESE ARE THE MOST
INFORMATIVE SITES FOR ALL PARTIES, ISSUES AND CANDIDATES NON-PARTISAN. REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRAT, INDEPENDENT, GREEN, AND OTHER.

http://www.vote-smart.org
1.Presidential Election Resources; including each candidate's voting record and position on all issues.
2. State Presidential Primary Dates
3.How Does the Primary Process Work
4. Electoral College Votes per State
5.What is the Electoral College?
6. Political Party Information
7. Other Internet Resources

http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html
Candidate Calculator

Which 2008 Presidential Candidate Agrees With You?

Answer the questions to see which candidate best aligns with your beliefs. It is really fun!

Better Yet, Click on the ISSUE and LEARN more about it to make an INFORMED Decision!

Answer 3

As long as the American people want to believe there is a difference we are never going to be free or untied as the United States of America would imply. Since it is founded on liberty for all we must adhere to the rules of law and the rights set forth in the constitution. Whom ever has views aligned with the constitution and a honest dialog should be our president to ensure all of us the ability to maintain and protect our freedom.
Therefore we should vote the person and not the party. If I call myself a democrat but I do not have any that protect my freedom I do not want that choice if I have to cross party lines to get a honest candidate I will to see that our liberty is not compromised by false security.
In the last 20 years we have not had Honesty and a sound policy helping the American people, We do now and his name is Ron Paul. Join the Revolution for change.

Answer 4

Not every candidate is equal and some may be more corrupt than others.

Ron Paul vs Hillary
Rudy Vs Obama
Rudy vs Hillary

these three combinations would get very different results in the polls and the way the party is governed.

Answer 5

i'm a Republican, and that i does not vote for a third celebration candidate at this element in time. There hasn't been a third celebration formed that has a prayer of prevailing, and that i think of that in the time of significant nationwide elections it would be a wasted vote. you are able to to boot vote for the opposition. i might elect to work out the Republican celebration substitute into greater fiscally conservative, shop the tax cuts in place, and get a backbone.

Answer 6

Actually it is more like this

Republicans= the party for capitalism.
Democrats= the party for socialism.

Personally I dont care for party politics. Nether party sums up my particular set of values.

I believe in a strong military, like the republicans and more strict punishment for criminals but also believe in gay rights, Im pro-choice and I encourage social programs.

Im an independent. So I only get to choose from at the very end which party member holds values closet to mine. It really isn't fair to independent because voting for an independent is as good as throwing your vote in the trash. Too many hardliners voting for whatever party they subscribe to regardless of personal character or ability of the candidate.

Answer 7

Because no one person or party has al the right answers. you may find that a person from another party agrees with something that you feel very strongly about, whereas your candidate doesnt feel the same as you. Seperating people into two black and white groups causes too many problems.

Answer 8

One should vote along party lines.

Overall, the issue is whether one believes in helping people or in helping big business.

Democrat=the party of the working class.

Republican=the party of big business.

Your choice.

Answer 9

I'm registered Republican but I'm seriously considering caucusing for Barack Obama because I don't want to see a President Hillary Clinton. Right now the Republicans want to run against her because they think it'd be an easy win. I don't want them to win easily. I want them to have to work for my vote and I think that they might run a more honest campaign against Barack Obama than they would against Hillary Clinton.

Answer 10

I'll always vote for whomever the deomcratic candidate is =]

I definitely don't agree with Republican views