Do you vote when...

[ckay87]

when you don't know much about the candidates? I know we all are supposed to vote ALL the time, but isn't it more damaging to vote when you really don't know who you are voting for? And, really, do you think all voters are familiar with all candidates all the time?

I was explaining this to someone and used the example that we have a township supervisor who is a real jerk. And it dawned on me that I just might have voted for him. Perhaps he belonged to my party, perhaps he was the incumbent, heck, perhaps I just remember his name from those lawn-signs. I hate to admit it, but when he was up for election, I don't think I was familiar with him.

So we see all the messages out there to vote, vote, vote! But I think there should be another part of the message which states, "educate yourself and vote." I mean do we really want everyone in there pressing buttons willy-nilly just for the sake of saying that they voted? Just a random thought.

 

[Fitswimmer]

But I think there should be another part of the message which states, "educate yourself and vote." I mean do we really want everyone in there pressing buttons willy-nilly just for the sake of saying that they voted?

I agree completely. We've got people voting for the better looking candidate, the candidate that their favorite celebrity likes best or for the whoever is the one that's on Leno. That's probably why we've got the government we have.

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

I am all about making sure people vote.
But what I really want is for people to take the time to find out who they believe in or what they believe in and then vote. I try to vote for all the issues or positions but I will usually leave a few blank as I really don't know what I feel.
I think there is a difference in not voting because you don't know how you feel and not voting because you don't care and don't want to spend your time. I wish the people who do not vote were unable to then complain. Just think how quiet it would be then.

 

[CheshireVal]

When I come across candidates or offices that I really don't know much about, I tend to vote straight across party lines (Democrat).

I don't like to consider myself a partisan person because I like to vote for the individual candidates rather than the party, but sometimes it's impossible (or just too hard) to be informed about every single ballot.

 

[Hedy]

I'm one of those people who tends to overthink her voting (who/what I'm voting for in November requires a half-hour explaination). I think that voting is one of the most basic and most important things we can do. However, I can kind of see where you're coming from. I have a good friend who often says that she's not informed enough to answer, and I can respect that, but it's against my nature.

 

[Pigeon]

Generally speaking, I know the candidates and the issues, so it's not a problem.

When in doubt, I vote Democrat. I used to be more open to Republicans for local office, but after the Clinton impeachment fiasco, I'll never vote for another Republican again so long as I shall live. So, it's Democrats, Greens, Indies, or Working Families for me.

I haven't missed a single election for any office since I was eligible to vote, back when the earth was cooling, and I always vote for a candidate for every office.

 

[ChrizJen]

I agree with others who say that, yes, it is your civic responsibility to get out and vote. But along with that, you also MUST get the information before you do so. Sure, it can be overwhelming to research all of the issues and really educate yourself on the issues. (especially when you have mud-slinging politicians plastered on TV every 5 minutes in the month(s) before an election.)

But you should only vote if are willing and able to take the time to research the issues and truly become informed. It's difficult to weed through all of the junk and find the facts, but we have a lot of information at our fingertips these days, it just takes time.

 

[DISUNC]

So we see all the messages out there to vote, vote, vote! But I think there should be another part of the message which states, "educate yourself and vote." I mean do we really want everyone in there pressing buttons willy-nilly just for the sake of saying that they voted? Just a random thought.

I believe its THIS kind of voting (uneducated) they lead us into the 'pickle' we are in today!!!

I would like to add that EDUCATING oneself about the candidates IS NOT LISTENING TO THEIR POLITICAL TV ADS!

I truly believe that most people base their votes on the canidate whost TV ad comes up with the nasiest & scariest details about their opponents! Which MANY are not based in TRUTH!

 

[BillSears]

When in doubt I vote against the incumbent. The incumbent is usually going to win and I'd rather reduce thier lead abit so they think it's not a mandate. personally I'd rather our elected officials worry abit about being reelected, I think it helps keep them honest.

 

[eclectics]

Very easy nowdays to get info on the candidates. Most have their own website. Your local newspaper should have an "election" supplement where all the local and national candidates opposing viewpoints are printed. My newspaper is slanted left but their election sheets are totally unbiased with just the quotes and views of the candidates themselves. Make your own educated choice. Your vote is power. Use it.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

And who says you have to vote in every race or for every initiative? Why not educate yourself in the races that matter to you and leave the rest of your ballot blank? There's no law against that!

 

[Disney Doll]

I always vote. there are a lot of countries where people don't have the right to vote, and an awful lot of women suffered a lot of abuse many years ago so I would have the right to vote.

 

[Kimmumum]

When in doubt I vote against the incumbent. The incumbent is usually going to win and I'd rather reduce thier lead abit so they think it's not a mandate. personally I'd rather our elected officials worry abit about being reelected, I think it helps keep them honest.

I have to agree. I vote in every election. I vote against the incumbent when I have doubts. Soldiers died so that we could be free and vote. Go Vote!!!

 

[Charade]

I believe its THIS kind of voting (uneducated) they lead us into the 'pickle' we are in today!!!!

Ah yes, the old red staters are stupid crap.

 

[DISUNC]

Ah yes, the old red staters are stupid crap.

Thats Your generalization, not mine.

 

[Charade]

Thats Your generalization, not mine.

No, it's yours when you stated that we're in this "pickle" because of uneducated voters.

 

[DISUNC]

No, it's yours when you stated that we're in this "pickle" because of uneducated voters.

We are in a 'pickle' and not just on the Federal level!

You are assuming that I said "That All Uneducated voters vote RED". Which is not anywhere near what I said or meant....sometimes even uneducated voters vote BLUE or Paisly!

There are Local & State elections!!!!!!

 

[robinb]

I only vote for people I know about. Then again, I make an effort to know the candidates before I go to the polling place.