Voting Irrationally November 7, 2006
Posted by onemouthband in Inspiries, Randomnymity.add a comment
Today I voted alright, like I’ve done every chance I got since I turned 18 with one accidental exception: last time. This time I learned from my poor planning (leaving home before the polls open and returning after midnight makes it difficult to vote) and went absentee. It’s nice to be able to turn your ballot in at ANY polling place in the county!
I also was strangely detached from the process this time, and I got a little erratic. I researched less than I ever have. I paid no attention to any glossy ad, radio spot, or TV commercial. I left all the judges blank because I couldn’t figure out what their records were or what they stood for. I voted for a bond measure for what I think is the first time ever. Most importantly, I voted for what I wanted rather than against who I don’t. My votes weren’t wasted, because this time I did vote! Last time I didn’t vote, and that was obviously a waste.
I always seem to vote for losers anyway. What difference does it make if I vote for this loser or that one? I’ll tell you what difference it makes — I feel better about it. I simply don’t have any control over who ends up in office (I can’t even say if my vote will be counted!), but I can say who and what I’m putting my energy toward. That gives me a far more comfortable attitude and more positive feeling about the whole voting process. I think this is the first time I’ve ever voted without getting all upset about it. Regardless of the outcome, I must say I enjoy the result!
Non-Voter’s Union November 6, 2006
Posted by onemouthband in Inspiries.add a comment
I had this idea 10 years ago about a way to jumpstart our polical system. I sent it to Michael Moore, Al Gore, and a few folks I thought might actually listen. Nobody did (yet!) but now that I have your eyes I might as well share it with you.
- Get a list of unlikely voters, those who are registered to vote but did NOT vote in the last 2 elections. Such lists do exist, really.
- Poll them by any means possible (phone, web, mail) on what three key issues are the most important to them locally, nationally, and internationally (9 items total). Get their positions on these key issues as well.
- Get a promise, however weak and unenforceable, that these registered voters would vote if a qualified candidate were to honastly take one of their positions on one of their key issues.
- Group and tally the results into a demographic.
- Advertise results to any and all political parties.
Politicians are always competing for that ever-narrowing slice of undecided voters. Why not widen the slice and sweeten the pot by offering them a whole new set of voters? Tell someone running for office that X-number of people will show up and vote for them if they can stand up for a few issues that may stretch the party platform and watch how bold they become.
Sure, it could backfire. Tyranny of the majority is possible if this system were run long-term. But short term it’d be the most effective way I can think of to reinvolve those who want something better but have become too disgusted with the whole process to bother.
