Your Right to Vote - Is it a choice or an obligation?

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

Unless the mark is for the opposing candidates box.

Just want to qualify, I was working as a young idealistic 17 year old in a previous election. I was volunteering and helping one of the candidates. (By the time the election was going to be held I would have passed my 18th birthday.). The final job I was assigned is scruteneer. I sat and watched people vote and made sure nobody was doing any funny stuff (along with Elections Canada person and a representative from one of the other parties). When we were counting we had to agree on what was spoiled and what wasn't. The leeway was definitely different based upon who the X favoured. In the end we reached consensus on every ballot but the first position of the other party guy was always it favours my guy or disfavours the other guys. I started out objective but probably pulled a bit of that stick towards the end. I think we had a grand total of 7 spoiled ballots. My guy lost the riding to the other guy's party and the 3rd party (who had no volunteer there) won the election nationally.

 

[Walter]

A ballot is counted if it's clear on it who the voter intended to vote for, doesn't have to be an X or a check mark or anything else in particular, you can put an asterisk or write OK or YES or whatever you want in the little circle by the candidate's name, including filling it in with a pen or pencil. As long as only one candidate is indicated, and there are no marks on it that could identify the voter, it's a valid ballot.

As long as the mark is all of nearly all in the circle. If someone circles the candidate's name or puts an X on the name, even if it is only on one name, it is invalid.

 

[PoliticalNick]

As long as the mark is all of nearly all in the circle. If someone circles the candidate's name or puts an X on the name, even if it is only on one name, it is invalid.

If you cannot figure out how to mark just one circle or even any circle you shouldn't be allowed to vote anyway.

 

[JLM]

Roof trusses OUTSIDE the eaves? And only under two peaks? Half brick and half siding? One single domed window amongst rectangular windows? Shabby.

Nit picker!

 

[Locutus]

if you vote, and if your guy/gal turns out to be a fukkin' wankering thief, a douchebag and such, it's your responsibility.

you vote, you have NO right to complain. you're to blame. you did it man. ;-)

 

[lone wolf]

'sif anyone admits to picking a tyrant. Anyone vote for Wynne?

 

[PoliticalNick]

'sif anyone admits to picking a tyrant. Anyone vote for Wynne?

Nobody in Alberta voted for the NDP if you ask around

 

[JLM]

Nobody in Alberta voted for the NDP if you ask around

Same thing here in B.C. when old W.A.C. was at the helm!

 

[JLM]

So I was just having a discussion while in line at the polls regarding this and I want your opinion. My belief is that if we have a right to do something it is a choice, it comes with the implied right to NOT do it also. Personally I would rather see an uninformed and apathetic voter stay home than have them at the polls marking some random box. I also think if someone is well informed about the candidates and the platforms but chooses not to vote because they don't want to support any of their available candidates that is just fine. Let me hear what you all think on the topic.

About all I have to say about the subject is if you are uninformed and vote you just may be cancelling out someone else's valid vote.