[OT] How to vote (was Re: [oclug] Politics and Linux / Open Source)

[Mike Thomas]

>
>Unmarked or spoilt; you are not voting. You have no effect on the
>election. You have wasted your time, as well as the opportunity to affect
>the election. I don't know why you bother.
>  
>
 My rationale follows. I will leave it at that. I don't want to get into 
a protracted OT debate.


 Because I am making a statement. None of the bozons running are worthy 
of my vote. If millions of people did the same (or declined their ballot 
indicating they do not wish to vote to an electoral officer, this is 
likely the more proper way of doing it)  politicians might take notice. 
It would serve as an indicator that there is a group of voters who are 
dissatisfied with the current system. A group that might be better 
catered to in a future election. I would submit this is a better way of 
indicating displeasure than simply not voting.

 
[I am an Australian. I'm proud of the fact that we have compulsory voting,

>with preferential voting in the lower house, and proportional
>representation in the upper house (yes, an elected Senate!). 
>

 I would argue that a protest ballot is even more useful in a system 
where you are forced to vote.


 Mike.