Kcnorwood said:
I'm not sure what you could do if anything. I think even if the people stopped voting someone would be put into office at every level. It's a tough call Take for instance if you vote as a independant your vote goes torwards someone else.
It doesnt help things the way whole voting system is set up either. Plus whats the point in voting when the other guy has already one your state? I mean your vote doesnt count anymore. I think IF we could change these things it would help. At least it might be a start.
This is semi-fallacious, Kcnorwood. Your vote does "count" even if someone you don't vote for is a shoo-in.
What happens with politicians is they do look at voting results. And when they see opposing votes get closer to votes for them, they take notice, and will act accordingly.
Look what happened in the presidential races when Perot and Anderson took votes away from certain parties. On the local and state level the effect is stronger still.
What would happen if all the dissatisfied voters woke up on election day and went to cast a vote for a 3rd party candidate instead of holding their nose to vote for one of the main party candidates?
The main parties would take notice.
I submit they did take notice after Perot -- that's why there's been such a move in state laws since then to keep 3rd parties out. They know if we get ****** off enough, a 3rd party candidate with some oration skills might actually win.
I myself rarely vote for national-level candidates of either major party. The only thing that drives me to do so is the notion that one of the two candidates is downright dangerous. Then I can hold my nose long enough to do so.
I'd prefer to "waste" my vote on a 3rd party candidate that has no chance of winning, even if I truly dislike him, if only to send a message to those with a lock on power in this country. Voting for either of their candidates just sends them the message that they can keep giving us the royal screw with no possibility of a backlash.
On the local level, I know the politicos better, as in have met them in real life, so it's easier to judge who would be better in a position.
