Should We Really Be Pushing People to Vote?

[Eckie]

As most people know, there has been a HUGE push to encourage the 18-24 age group to get out there and vote. Everyone from Puff Daddy and MTV to Comedy Central has been spreading the message, from advertisements in all the different media types, to shirts reading "Vote or Die."

This has me thinking: Do we really want everyone to get out there and vote? Seriously, people who know a thing or two about politics probably already have plans to show up this November. Anyone who votes just because MTV or a celebrity told them they should is probably someone who will base their vote off of what Michael Moore has to say just because he's on the big screen or on Britney Spears' political leanings.

Sometimes I think we all have the right to vote, but not all of us should practice this right, but that's just my opinion.

Discuss among yourselves.

[angelces]

I know I'd feel much more comfortable if some of the people I know wouldn't vote...

but that's just me.

[tdowe99]

I know there's a huge push for celebrites to get out the Youth vote, but everybody I talk to at school is very indifferent to the voting process. It's a shame, cuz it's their right to vote to determine the future of America, but no, it's all "Oh, my vote doesn't count anyway." etc. Stupid.

[Eckie]

Hmmm, anyone else think the electorial college should be abolished?

[stimmerman]

I don't think Republicans should be allowed to vote. You think I'm kidding don't you?

[Carbon Copy]

Hmmm, anyone else think the electorial college should be abolished?

i second or third that whatever number it is on this thread

[tdowe99]

Yes, the Electoral College is an antiquated device that needs to be thrown out. There was a NY Times editorial about it the other day. It says it gives smaller states more power due to the fact that each state gets 3 electoral votes no matter what.

I feel that if it's popular majority, the candidates will have to work harder in every state and not just say "oh, that state is a given, so i won't even go there."

[Explicitrydes]

I don't think Republicans should be allowed to vote. You think I'm kidding don't you?

I don't think liberals should be allowed to reproduce. Just my $.02

[stimmerman]

I don't think liberals should be allowed to reproduce. Just my $.02
I don't think they should be allowed to read, either.

[jester29]

Hmmm, anyone else think the electorial college should be abolished?

Perhaps just revised. I understand why it was instituted, but it really doesn't make sense to keep it on as it is. With all of this technology, we can actually total votes down to the... well.. pretty close :) As it stands, I think it really screws up the process - especially in states with a particular lean (i.e. NJ is traditionally Democrat. It wouldn't matter if I voted Republican, because the majority leans Democrat... my vote really doesn't count)

[Eckie]

Perhaps just revised. I understand why it was instituted, but it really doesn't make sense to keep it on as it is. With all of this technology, we can actually total votes down to the... well.. pretty close :) As it stands, I think it really screws up the process - especially in states with a particular lean (i.e. NJ is traditionally Democrat. It wouldn't matter if I voted Republican, because the majority leans Democrat... my vote really doesn't count)
I live in Maryland, so really, there is no reason for me to vote, as I am a Republican. However, I was talking to a friend of mine about this issue and he said he didn't think the college should be gotten rid of, because too many amendments weaken the Constitution...

[BlueWater13]

I think part of the reason that they are always pushing for the younger age group to vote, is because this is the generation that will be a big part of leading the country soon, and they should get involved. I also think they are trying to show to them that, hey if you dont like something use your power of voting to try and change it. That's just my .02 about it.

[bluwaterbaboon]

i think we should all practice this right, but we should all actually care enough to know something about the candidates too

[pooleman]

Hmmm, anyone else think the electoral college should be abolished?If so, I don't think you'd see the candidates outside the top 15 metro areas ever. There'd be no incentive to go to Wichita, Knoxville, Albuquerque, etc.

There are people in every age group that I wouldn't want to vote....

[JsinGood]

I live in Maryland, so really, there is no reason for me to vote, as I am a Republican. However, I was talking to a friend of mine about this issue and he said he didn't think the college should be gotten rid of, because too many amendments weaken the Constitution...

That's not really true at all - it is the substance of the amendments, not the quantity, that determine how much the Constitution is strengthened or weakened.

I'm all for abolishing the electoral college, that way the majority of the nation would determine who leads it, and the candidates would be forced to focus on the entire country rather than just those states that are most likely up for grabs.

That said, I'm predicting that yet again, the person receiving fewer votes nationwide (from the major two parties, of course) will win the electoral count - and that that person will be John Kerry.

[barefoot]

Everyone should vote and everyone who votes should research their canidate. The ability to vote is a great right that alot of people have paid for with their lives.

[alyson1]

Re: Should We Really Be Pushing People to Vote?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eckie
Hmmm, anyone else think the electoral college should be abolished?

If so, I don't think you'd see the candidates outside the top 15 metro areas ever. There'd be no incentive to go to Wichita, Knoxville, Albuquerque, etc.
__________________________________________________ ______

The incentive to visit is in the motto 'one voice one vote'. That way your vote in Albuquerque is as valid as mine in NYC- they all count no matter what. there are plenty of cities now that never get visited anyway...

[illbackyouup_03]

No matter what reason someone bases their vote on, their vote is their right. If they want to vote for someone based on what Britney Spears or Micheal Moore says, then they have every right to.

[stimmerman]

I think we'd all agree that Michael Moore has opened our eyes to the light.

[mdude85]

"Do we really want everyone to get out there and vote?"

of course. this is a non-question. people have the right to vote. their vote means something. yet they don't choose to use their rights? it makes no sense. I personally feel that it should be against the law not to vote.

[Dancing Ants]

As most people know, there has been a HUGE push to encourage the 18-24 age group to get out there and vote. Everyone from Puff Daddy and MTV to Comedy Central has been spreading the message, from advertisements in all the different media types, to shirts reading "Vote or Die."

This has me thinking: Do we really want everyone to get out there and vote? Seriously, people who know a thing or two about politics probably already have plans to show up this November. Anyone who votes just because MTV or a celebrity told them they should is probably someone who will base their vote off of what Michael Moore has to say just because he's on the big screen or on Britney Spears' political leanings.

Sometimes I think we all have the right to vote, but not all of us should practice this right, but that's just my opinion.

Discuss among yourselves.


i agree 100%. i don't undertand the "vote for something" adds...80% of kids know NOTHING about what is going on. ..."uh...i'll vote for bush cause his daughters are hot" .."i'll vote for kerry...he plays the guitar!" ....genius. :freak

[Dancing Ants]

"Do we really want everyone to get out there and vote?"

of course. this is a non-question. people have the right to vote. their vote means something. yet they don't choose to use their rights? it makes no sense. I personally feel that it should be against the law not to vote.

i don't understand this. if you had an issue that's important to you, and say you know it is right, but the media comes along and is against if for whatever reason...media being MTV or something, MTV says "this is wrong."...well, they wouldn't say it, but imply it, would you want a bunch of 18 year olds voting because of what they heard on MTV?

Make it against the law not to vote, but first you must take a 1 hour class over the issues or something.

[mdude85]

i agree 100%. i don't undertand the "vote for something" adds...80% of kids know NOTHING about what is going on. ..."uh...i'll vote for bush cause his daughters are hot" .."i'll vote for kerry...he plays the guitar!" ....genius. :freak

Trust me, the people who are in the 24-45 group are voting for similar superficial reasons ... "I'll vote for bush because I want a tax cut." "I'll vote for john kerry because it's not bush." this is no better than someone voting for bush because his daughters are hot.

90% of people know NOTHING about what is going on, especially judging from the misinformation that constantly floats around this board...

[mdude85]

i don't understand this. if you had an issue that's important to you, and say you know it is right, but the media comes along and is against if for whatever reason...media being MTV or something, MTV says "this is wrong."...well, they wouldn't say it, but imply it, would you want a bunch of 18 year olds voting because of what they heard on MTV?

Make it against the law not to vote, but first you must take a 1 hour class over the issues or something.


which is better? voting because what I hear on MTV, or what I hear from a much more biased national convention ... or from what I hear from biased radio shows (cough Rush cough), biased news channels, or what I hear from commercials? In the end they're all the same.

[Dancing Ants]

Trust me, the people who are in the 24-45 group are voting for similar superficial reasons ... "I'll vote for bush because I want a tax cut." "I'll vote for john kerry because it's not bush." this is no better than someone voting for bush because his daughters are hot.

90% of people know NOTHING about what is going on, especially judging from the misinformation that constantly floats around this board...

exactly. i don't see why anyone would want these people to vote...i mean, if they understood what was going on, then i'd want them to vote..but that's like putting a gun in the hand of a child.

[Number27]

which is better? voting because what I hear on MTV, or what I hear from a much more biased national convention ... or from what I hear from biased radio shows (cough Rush cough), biased news channels, or what I hear from commercials? In the end they're all the same.
Wow, I love this quote.

[mdude85]

Wow, I love this quote.

do I sense sarcasm?

[Number27]

do I sense sarcasm?
No sarcasm. I just really liked what you said.

[mdude85]

exactly. i don't see why anyone would want these people to vote...i mean, if they understood what was going on, then i'd want them to vote..but that's like putting a gun in the hand of a child.

"these people" who you are referring to make up 99% of the population of eligible voters.

[mdude85]

No sarcasm. I just really liked what you said.

oh, okay. cool. :)

[illbackyouup_03]

i don't understand this. if you had an issue that's important to you, and say you know it is right, but the media comes along and is against if for whatever reason...media being MTV or something, MTV says "this is wrong."...well, they wouldn't say it, but imply it, would you want a bunch of 18 year olds voting because of what they heard on MTV?

Make it against the law not to vote, but first you must take a 1 hour class over the issues or something.

Bullshit bullshit bullshit. Who says you are right? Who says MTV is wrong? It is all a matter of opinion, and if MTV convinces people that a certain way is how it should be, so be it. That will then be how those people think. . and therefore that is the way they should vote.

People who are not informed at all should not vote, but. . if someone has the motivation enough to vote in the first place, they likely have at least the slightest idea of who they want to vote for and why.

[mdude85]

Bullshit bullshit bullshit. Who says you are right? Who says MTV is wrong? It is all a matter of opinion, and if MTV convinces people that a certain way is how it should be, so be it. That will then be how those people think. . and therefore that is the way they should vote.

People who are not informed at all should not vote, but. . if someone has the motivation enough to vote in the first place, they likely have at least the slightest idea of who they want to vote for and why.

Who is the one who decides which people are informed and which are not? Everyone, and I mean everyone, from astrophysics professors at NYU to small farmers in Mississippi have an opinion -- they know what they want to see in a government and they know what sort of policies they want which will best suit their interests, whatever those interests might be. There is no such thing as a person who is completely uninformed. And, to add insult to injury in this situation, the people who often think they are informed the most are informed the least.

[illbackyouup_03]

Who is the one who decides which <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=people&v=56">people</a> are informed and which are not? Everyone, and I mean everyone, from astrophysics professors at NYU to small farmers in Mississippi have an opinion -- they know what they want to see in a <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=government&v=56">government</a> and they know what sort of policies they want which will best suit their interests, whatever those interests might be. There is no such thing as a person who is completely uninformed. And, to add insult to injury in this situation, the <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=people&v=56">people</a> who often think they are informed the most are informed the least.

When I say people who are uninformed shouldn't vote, I don't mean they shouldn't be allowed to vote, just that they shouldn't. The thing is. . no not everyone has an opinion. I am sure there are people out there that just have no idea who to vote for, people such as those shouldn't vote, and probably won't. If they, however, do muster up the energy to do so, they will have likely formed some sort of opinion for some reason by that time.

[Tulip]

which is better? voting because what I hear on MTV, or what I hear from a much more biased national convention ... or from what I hear from biased radio shows (cough Rush cough), biased news channels, or what I hear from commercials? In the end they're all the same.
Exactly. Who's to say that a 65 year old man is more informed than a 20 year old? The older man may have held his views for so long or (gasp) actually listened to what he heard in the media that he never bothered to even consider differently. He never even opened his mind to a different point of view. How is this more "informed" than someone who votes for what they see on MTV?

1) When they tell people and encourage them to vote, they are telling them to find out more about what's going on, formulate your own opinion, and then go vote. They are just combating the apathy and the presumption that, "well, I'm young and don't know too much, and my vote probably won't count, so just screw it." I myself had my views about MTV promoting the vote, so I decided to watch an episode of Choose or Lose. All they did was present different youngsters with BOTH points of view and have them ask questions and tell their opinions. None of it tells the viewer whom to vote FOR. It's just a beginning for those who haven't registered to get involved. In no way do they ever tell you what to do. Even if you wanted MTV to tell you who to vote for, in the end you would still have to make up your own mind for yourself.

2) People who vote uninformed, or are stupid and vote for stupid reasons, come from ALL ages, races, and incomes, sorry to inform you of this. The fact is that regardless of your reason, you have a right to vote for it. Because stupid is relative. A farmer who votes for Candidate A who is favorable and protective of farmers and their land may look stupid to an office person who wants Candidate B to win because Candidate B will promote industrialization and the interests of big corporations. I mean, sorry to offend anyone who votes Republican, but if your reason for not voting for Kerry is because he "supposedly used Botox," or because "his daughters are hotter than the Kerry girls," then you are voting based on a cosmetic reason and how is that different from voting for someone just because Ja Rule told me to? Oh and, the Bush kids are not Bush, as well as the Kerry children are not John Kerry. They are not the ones running for president. And when will you guys learn that putting someone else down and trying to make them look bad, doesn't make you (or your candidate) look any better?? Putting John Kerry down doesn't make Bush any more of a fit president, or a better person than he really is. At the very least, John Kerry thinks this, and knows that any person with a shred of intelligence will probably pick up on this.
Whew. Enough of this. I'm probably going to get blasted and have to disappear from here forever, but at least I got in my 2 cents. Please don't kill me because my views differ from yours. :( I guess this will be my first and last post. This is why I usually stay away from political discussions... no matter what you say, you can't seem to win. At least I'll go down in flames. :p

[mdude85]

When I say people who are uninformed shouldn't vote, I don't mean they shouldn't be allowed to vote, just that they shouldn't. The thing is. . no not everyone has an opinion. I am sure there are people out there that just have no idea who to vote for, people such as those shouldn't vote, and probably won't. If they, however, do muster up the energy to do so, they will have likely formed some sort of opinion for some reason by that time.

I disagree-- everyone who has a brain has an opinion. This is what sets us apart from primates.

[mdude85]

Exactly. Who's to say that a 65 year old man is more informed than a 20 year

.... snip ....

I guess this will be my first and last post. This is why I usually stay away from political discussions... no matter what you say, you can't seem to win. At least I'll go down in flames. :p

Nice post. :)

[illbackyouup_03]

I disagree-- everyone who has a brain has an opinion. This is what sets us apart from primates.

Do you have an opinion on whether mitochondrion are actually a living entity themselves, or not?

Maybe. . but I am going to make a guess that you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. As I am sure there are some people that are so devoid of politics. . they have absolutely no idea who is a better candidate for president, and therefore, should not vote until they do some research.

Don't get me wrong, I think everybody should vote, but only if they do have an opinion and have a reason backing it up. . if not, it's pointless really. But what I am saying, is that people who have no opinion on the matter, obviously are oblivious enough that voting isn't important anyway.

[NavyBoy41]

My biggest problem is the people that hate voting or they think it's retarded....


Those are the people that bitch and whine about the government the most! So why SHOULDN'T they get out and vote. I don't care if people go out and vote that are 18-24, just as long as they are basing it on their own opinion not the "hot gossip" on MTV news and Kurt Loder's dumb old ass spits out that P Diddy and Christina Aguilera just endorsed a certain candidate.......

:monkey

[illbackyouup_03]

My biggest problem is the people that hate voting or they think it's retarded....

Those are the people that bitch and whine about the government the most! So why SHOULDN'T they get out and vote.
:monkey

What are you basing that on?

[NavyBoy41]

What are you basing that on?

In general it always seems that way... It's not like I did a damn gallup poll or anything there chief-o......

:monkey

[illbackyouup_03]

In general it always seems that way... It's not like I did a damn gallup poll or anything there chief-o......

:monkey

Well, obviously you didn't do a poll. But let's be serious here, you have no idea who the majority of people are who complain about the government.

My parents complain and they both vote.

[Holemandaddy]

electoral college should not be winner take all delegates. should be a proportional system. if a given state has 10 votes and canidate a wins 61% of the vote, then canidate a gets 6 delegates, if canitate b gets 30%, then he gets 3 delegates and if canidate c gets the remaining 9%, then he gets 1 delegate.

winner take all is what has to go

[yin_yang]

Hmmm, anyone else think the electorial college should be abolished?

most useless thing ever. just could up the total number of votes from all the people in the U.S.

[yin_yang]

Hmmm, anyone else think the electorial college should be abolished?

most useless thing ever. just count
up the total number of votes from all the people in the U.S.

[yin_yang]

Hmmm, anyone else think the electorial college should be abolished?

most useless thing ever. just count
up the total number of votes from all the people in the U.S.

[TwoStepFF]

whats the point in voting if the president with the most votes doesnt even win anyways

[stimmerman]

whats the point in voting if the president with the most votes doesnt even win anyways
It's easier to rig. :monkey

[mdude85]

Do you have an opinion on whether mitochondrion are actually a living entity themselves, or not?

Maybe. . but I am going to make a guess that you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. As I am sure there are some people that are so devoid of politics. . they have absolutely no idea who is a better candidate for president, and therefore, should not vote until they do some research.

Don't get me wrong, I think everybody should vote, but only if they do have an opinion and have a reason backing it up. . if not, it's pointless really. But what I am saying, is that people who have no opinion on the matter, obviously are oblivious enough that voting isn't important anyway.

There is of course no realistic way to enforce this.

[mdude85]

electoral college should not be winner take all delegates. should be a proportional system. if a given state has 10 votes and canidate a wins 61% of the vote, then canidate a gets 6 delegates, if canitate b gets 30%, then he gets 3 delegates and if canidate c gets the remaining 9%, then he gets 1 delegate.

winner take all is what has to go

Consider a state which has 10 votes allotted. Say candidate A gets 45% of the votes, candidate B gets 45% of the votes, and candidate C gets 10% of the votes. What does this mean? It means that candidate A and B get 5 votes, and candidate C gets zero votes, even though he should have gotten 1. Big problem.

[Eckie]

Who is the one who decides which people are informed and which are not? Everyone, and I mean everyone, from astrophysics professors at NYU to small farmers in Mississippi have an opinion -- they know what they want to see in a government and they know what sort of policies they want which will best suit their interests, whatever those interests might be. There is no such thing as a person who is completely uninformed. And, to add insult to injury in this situation, the people who often think they are informed the most are informed the least.
No, not everyone has an opinion. Or, if they do have an opinion, it is a worthless one. Maybe that sounds elitist of me, but I think I'm safe in saying someone is uniformed if they choose their canidate based on who has wittier bumper stickers or dresses better.

The thing is, as sad as that sounds, I know people who plan to go out in November and vote based on things like that.

[chellek23]

I'm not going to get nearly as detailed as you all have because quite honestly I am burnt out on politics! BUT after working on several campaigns and reading the verbatim reasons why a person is voting for a particular candidate I think that a simple civics test should be given to anyone who wants to vote. You know the basics, how our govt works, what are the 3 branchs, etc...

The amount of ignorance out there is astounding... Republican, Democrat, conservative, liberal... it's scary.

[SaraEve]

i think we should all practice this right, but we should all actually care enough to know something about the candidates too
I agree. I think it is VERY important for everyone to vote, but to make an EDUCATED decision. Most people do not really know the difference between Republicans or Democrats, never mind the other parties and/or labels. As someone who takes voting and politics seriously, I make it a point to try to help those around me understand that. So yes, I think we Should be pushing the right to vote on our Generation, but we should push political education more. Basically, we should just tell them to shut off the TV;)

[Warehouse21]

Republicans don't want to push people to vote because if there's a high turnout, they lose. Unfortunately for them, there wll be a high turnout, and they will lose. The anti-Bush base is so musch more fired up than the pro Bush base, and we have them outnumbered.

[mdude85]

No, not everyone has an opinion. Or, if they do have an opinion, it is a worthless one. Maybe that sounds elitist of me, but I think I'm safe in saying someone is uniformed if they choose their canidate based on who has wittier bumper stickers or dresses better.

The thing is, as sad as that sounds, I know people who plan to go out in November and vote based on things like that.

A worthless opinion? Hm.

[Eckie]

Republicans don't want to push people to vote because if there's a high turnout, they lose. Unfortunately for them, there wll be a high turnout, and they will lose. The anti-Bush base is so musch more fired up than the pro Bush base, and we have them outnumbered.
The anti-Bush crew is just a whole bunch louder and more outspoken than the pro-Bush group. Just because we dont protest most places Kerry goes, that doesn't mean we're not here.

Ever notice how in a room full of people, there always seem to be a few who make all the noise?