There are 29 days until the election. I’ll do my best to keep blogging thoughts as we approach the big day.
Today there’s been a discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live about not voting.
I believe that since we have a democratic right to vote that that right is balanced by the responsibility to use that vote. How one uses it is up to the individual voter of course.
Staying at home on May 6th for whatever reason at best sends a message of apathy and lack of interest to the people returned to Westminster. At worst, it sends no message at all.
No vote, no voice
If you don’t want any of the candidates on your ballot paper, spoil it! This means your dissatisfaction must be counted.
I’ve blogged before about a new system of government, but I’m beginning to think that a system like they have in Australia and New Zealand where voting is compulsory should be considered. An option of RON (Re-Open Nominations) should be included and should this option receive the largest number of votes, there is no result and the election must be re-held within a reasonable period of time.
2 comments
Richard Gillin says:
07/04/2010 at 12:03 (UTC 0 )
I always used to wonder who Ron was at university and why he kept winning JCR elections…
Ellie says:
08/04/2010 at 19:18 (UTC 0 )
I remember as a young woman being given a very good reason to vote. Sadly it only applies to half the population (approx).
But for all those females out there…. Women died to gain the vote for other women. They thought it so important theywere prepared to do anything to get it. As said in the post, if you dont want any of the candidates, spoil it, but whatever you do, remember those suffragettes and treat the right to vote with the respect it deserves.
Also see countries without ‘democracy’ and how people who cant vote how they’d chose would view being given the opportunity, etc etc etc