Is it better to vote ignorant or not vote at all?

[OS]

I find myself with this dilemma more and more often. Often we are asked to vote on propositions and acts which can potentially cause sweeping changes. For example, take school vouchers. As far as I know, there aren't any comprehensive studies about the effects of implementing such a system. For sure I personally know jack sh*t about what would happen if implemented. And yet we are called to vote on the issue without really knowing what will happen if the system is implemented. So people actually end up voting based on party lines and personal prejudices, which is hardly a good basis to vote upon. So if it comes down to it, is it better to vote ignorant or not vote at all?

 

[j0lly]

I think the focus should be on educating people on the importance of casting a vote. Not voting at all is probably better than an ignorant vote.

 

[Kelvrick]

<< I think the focus should be on educating people on the importance of casting a vote. Not voting at all is probably better than an ignorant vote. >>



I agree.

 

[Ronstang]

A Democrat will tell you that any kind of vote is important, because voting ignorantly favors them and their positions.

 

[veryape]

I think its better to vote down party lines then not at all because at least you know the party you vote for has your idealogies for the most part. Its not fool proof but you should know most of the issues anyway.

 

[koryo]

Every once in a while some people start asking "why can't we have a choice of 'none of the above'"? It never gets anywhere, but I think it would be a good idea.

Hey Ronstang, save the stupid stuff for one of Texmaster's flamethrower threads.

 

[veryape]

<< A Democrat will tell you that any kind of vote is important, because voting ignorantly favors them and their positions. >>


<B>
Your speaking ignorantly favors us starting a vote against your stupid comments.

</B>

 

[Cyberian]

Very good question.
Personally I think you can get enough information in a fairly short time on almost any candidate/proposition to make a reasonably intelligent decision.





<< Every once in a while some people start asking "why can't we have a choice of 'none of the above'"? It never gets anywhere, but I think it would be a good idea. >>


Saw a bumper sticker yesterday that said:

If we stop voting will they all go away?

 

[Rarr]

Don't vote at all.......ignorant voting is what got Clinton elected.

 

[sciencewhiz]

its better for you not to vote, because then my vote counts more.

 

[TheBlondOne]

<< I think its better to vote down party lines then not at all because at least you know the party you vote for has your idealogies for the most part. Its not fool proof but you should know most of the issues anyway. >>




OK, NO. As a very active citizen (and a dedicated Republican), I can tell you that you are WRONG. There are quite a few in my party that I would NOT vote for because they do not hold my party's views. They are pro-choice, pro-big goverment, etc. Those are things I don't appreciate and would therefore vote for a Democrat who held my views before I'd vote for them.

Also, it's best not to vote at all if you don't know the issues at hand.