Creating a Mainstream 'Don't Vote' Movement?

[rover07]

So what happens when say only 10% vote?

 

[frogwoman]

I think under a certain threshold of votes, elections have to be run again.

 

[Meltingpot]

I think under a certain threshold of votes, elections have to be run again.

That's a good idea, and with different candidates.

 

[frogwoman]

I think that's what happens now. Could be wrong though - and I think it only applies to local elections (which make fuck all difference anyway)

 

[Idaho]

Chances of getting elected 1st time out: next to zero.

but with effort, the right ward and a fair wind it can be done. There are (I think) about 1000 independents in the UK.

As for the regular ward issues, Im sure you could do a better job than most party numpties who are generally complacent and politics should be a ground up affair. If you got a seat you would then have a platform for whatever your politics might be (assuming you did the day to day stuff well)

It doesnt matter how "anarchist" or whatever we are, some form of elective representation is going to be around for a long time and the more localised it is the more legitimate IMO.

How many independent MPs are there? Bollocks to local government - what the fuck do councillors matter? All you are there to do is make sure existing local admin does what it's supposed to.

Why not sponsor the slogan: 'Always vote tactically to unseat the sitting candidate' --

Give people information about previous voting patterns in the constituency so that they can vote tactically from an informed point of view.

Because this still legitimises the existing system - which is clearly bollocks




When was the last time we had constitutional or 'constitutional' (yes yes I know) change in this country? We live in a consumer society where all we have the power to buy McDonalds or Burger King or not buy at all. I don't want to start my own shop so I choose to go without. There will come a time when one or two decent options start up and the old system has withered so far that new ideas have space and support and aren't suffocated by the current balls.

 

[Azrael]

Sad to say I now make use of my fundamental right not to cast a vote. I spoil my balot paper so turnout doesn't drop still further, but the system is so squalid I'm close to withdrawing my own infinitesimal little bit of legitimacy.

Nothing's going to change until both parties draw so few votes that their moral right to power vanishes along with their few remaining MPs. Then we've got a chance to create new parties that speak for the British people.

Imagine I'd join any serious abstention movement, then. Sigh.

 

[ViolentPanda]

But in the absence of a NOTA and ignoring the crap option of voting Liberal (there are so many reasons why this is a crap idea) - the only option is a deliberate and organised withdrawl of support. The political parties are very anxious about large scale voter apathy. It won't mean that they abdicate or any such nonsense - but they will fear ambush by single issue parties - and with a big electorate but a small voting contingent the swings will be much larger and more unpredictable.

I could see an organised mass withdrawal working once, maybe twice, on a general election scale, but after that it'd be legislated out existence, probably through compulsory voting (which, unlike danny, I don't believe would make NOTA any more likely), which would eliminate the "single issue" threat.

 

[ViolentPanda]

I have believed for an awful long time that voting should be compulsory. But that 'none of the above' should be an option on every ballot paper. And if 'NOTA' gets a majority, the election has to be re-run with none of the original candidates.

I disagree. Don't re-run with new candidates, because all that does is serve up a fresh batch of machine politicians. Re-run with new policies and manifestos that are in line with what the electorate and the grass roots party membership want rather than what the corporate backers of the political parties want.

 

[ViolentPanda]

Yep, he did OK. Is he still in parliament? I'm afraid I've lost track.

Yep, Dr. Richard Taylor is still MP for Wyre Forest.

 

[DotCommunist]

I could see an organised mass withdrawal working once, maybe twice, on a general election scale, but after that it'd be legislated out existence, probably through compulsory voting (which, unlike danny, I don't believe would make NOTA any more likely), which would eliminate the "single issue" threat.

How does one enforce voting without violating the secrecy of the ballot? Or are you saying people would think 'may as well pick one' rather than 'NOTA'

 

[CUMBRIANDRAGON]

Do you think it would be possible to start a mainstream non-voting movement for general elections?

As we all know the electoral system in this country is designed to be a closed shop for the current political parties. It is only when voter turnout drops below 25% do MPs risk being unseated by single issue parties. A movement which actively discouraged voting and therefore legitimising the current nonsense could be a hundred times more powerful and threatening to the current status quo than any number of wasted deposits of fringe parties, joke parties and single issue activists. The mainstream parties are far more scared of low turnouts than practically anything else in elections. Can a government be formed with a mandate of 15% of the electorate?

And by mainstream, I do mean a lack of shouty megaphone placard folk all arguing about factional leftist nonsense.

Compleat waste of time.
If you really want to change things start community action . lots of different projects that benifit the community .The rest will just follow.

 

[SpookyFrank]

I have believed for an awful long time that voting should be compulsory. But that 'none of the above' should be an option on every ballot paper. And if 'NOTA' gets a majority, the election has to be re-run with none of the original candidates.

Replace 'none of the above' with 'execute the lot of them' and you have a deal

 

[DotCommunist]

Replace 'none of the above' with 'execute the lot of them' and you have a deal

there are more lamposts than politicians in London

 

[Prince Rhyus]

I think all trots should have to carry two empty coconut shells and clap them together at regular rhythmical intervals so that they make a trotting sound and so that we can hear them coming.

 

[SpookyFrank]

there are more lamposts than politicians in London

Plenty of bankers to make up the numbers though

 

[Idaho]

I could see an organised mass withdrawal working once, maybe twice, on a general election scale, but after that it'd be legislated out existence, probably through compulsory voting (which, unlike danny, I don't believe would make NOTA any more likely), which would eliminate the "single issue" threat.

If it brings in compulsory voting then it would be counted as a success. They would have to add a NOTA.

 

[Dr Jon]

Plenty of bankers to make up the numbers though

I like the way you think.

 

[lewislewis]

Not voting makes it easier for the political parties. The best thing to do if you do not want to endorse any of the candidates is to spoil your ballot paper by writing something constructive.

Not voting at all though, makes it easier for the generally right-wing candidates because upper and middle class people (Tories where i'm from) are the ones who tend to vote more often.

 

[Idaho]

Not voting makes it easier for the political parties. The best thing to do if you do not want to endorse any of the candidates is to spoil your ballot paper by writing something constructive.

Not voting at all though, makes it easier for the generally right-wing candidates because upper and middle class people (Tories where i'm from) are the ones who tend to vote more often.

I simply can't accept that the best way to express your disapproval for the current system is to participate in it.