Quick question about voting.... can I leave some blank?

[gopunk]

i really have no clue about some of the stuff... can i leave it blank? or do i have to make a choice?

 

[HappyPuppy]

Yes, you can leave it blank.

I was going to make a smartass remark, but your question seemed to be straight forward.

 

[Ameesh]

yes you can. will it still be a valid ballot, thats an entirely other question.

 

[DaveSimmons]

yes, you should leave choices blank if you don't know about them, such as the judges. Some bad judges have been appointed just because they have a vaguely familiar name.

The Seattle Times website might have their recommendations online under editorials. They also explain why. For example, the firefighter/police referendum sounds nice but will cause a huge increase in costs to the state.

Voter's guide tip: pay attention to who is endorsing each candidate, and for initiatives / referendums see who is for and against.

 

[gopunk]

For example, the firefighter/police referendum sounds nice but will cause a huge increase in costs to the state.

whoops....

 

[gopunk]

alright, thanks guys! yea i just vote for people with asian sounding names

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: gopunk
alright, thanks guys! yea i just vote for people with asian sounding names

I vote for whoever has the most vowels in their name

 

[gopunk]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
yes, you should leave choices blank if you don't know about them, such as the judges. Some bad judges have been appointed just because they have a vaguely familiar name.

so what happens if only like a few people vote for them? is there a certain percentage that they have to get, or is it just whoever gets the most?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: gopunk

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
yes, you should leave choices blank if you don't know about them, such as the judges. Some bad judges have been appointed just because they have a vaguely familiar name.

so what happens if only like a few people vote for them? is there a certain percentage that they have to get, or is it just whoever gets the most?

majority wins in the most cases

i vote for anyone running unopposed

 

[Vic]

If you don't know the candidates for a particular race or the details of a particular issue, you absolutely should leave those blank, as Dave said. Only vote on those races and issues where you know the details. OR, if you are affiliated with a particular party, you can vote along party lines on those races and issues as you see fit. But if you're just guessing or voting for the candidate with the most vowels.... God please leave those blank.

so what happens if only like a few people vote for them? is there a certain percentage that they have to get, or is it just whoever gets the most?

Some measures, tax proposals, levies, and initiatives may fail if they don't get a certain turnout or percentage of votes, but in races it is always the candidate who gets the most votes. By voting blindly, you may be negating the votes of those who are actually familiar with the race/issue.

 

[gopunk]

ok thanks

one last thing... people in seattle write me in for precinct committee officer! there's nobody there

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: gopunk

For example, the firefighter/police referendum sounds nice but will cause a huge increase in costs to the state.

whoops....

Well if it's an absentee ballot the instructions tell you how to fix a mistake.

 

[gopunk]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Originally posted by: gopunk

For example, the firefighter/police referendum sounds nice but will cause a huge increase in costs to the state.

whoops....

Well if it's an absentee ballot the instructions tell you how to fix a mistake.

er... signed and sealed. meh. 9/10 ain't bad...