Apparently the TN Democratic Party agrees voters should write in someone elses name. - Edit 1
Before modification by Joel at 12/08/2012 08:35:34 PM
Still going to be deciding between the Greens and the SWP (provided it makes the ballot in TN this election), unless someone as deranged as McKinney leaves me with little option but not to vote. Already not going to choose a candidate for the TN Senate race due to the nutcase chosen as the Democratic candidate.
If only the situation from Saramago's Seeing could happen here this electoral cycle.
Recalling my exchange with everyname, however, why not write in your own or someone elses name? If the two major party candidates only got 30% of all votes, that would send a far more powerful message than letting them split 90% of votes only cast by 30% of the electorate. The former would demonstrate an opportunity for a viable third (or even fourth) option and show the major parties they must be more responsive (and responsible) to retain power, even releance. The latter would just mean Republicrats can continue doing as they please with impunity.
I actually inquired about that in 2010 and was told that the procedures involved for getting a paper ballot would cause a delay of upwards of 30 minutes. Things like that do put a damper on people doing that.
Yet another reason paperless "ballots" are so asinine. Why not just let Anonymous pick our "elected" leaders (or have we already)?
There is ample precedent around the world for casting blank ballots in protest. That still registers a political opinion; refusing to vote does not.
I see you aren't familiar with Seeing; that was precisely what I was referring to. Thought maybe Paul might get the literary reference
I am not familiar with it, no; I was reduced to reading Wikipedias synopsis. However, casting blank ballots in protest is a common enough real world practice, and far more effective protest than simple non-participation. Large numbers of blank ballots register popular discontent with existing government and available alternatives, as well as demonstrating a decisive electorate is available to new alternatives. That both encourages those advocating such novelty and warns current elected officials to get their act together lest they are all unemployed.