The federal election campaign is in full swing. 3 middle-aged white men (4 in Quebec) are criss-crossing the land vying for your vote, as the press scrutinizes every word, tweet, and handshake (sometimes standing behind a steel fence).
Of course, fewer and fewer Canadians are going to the polls in federal elections – more than 40% of eligible voters did not vote in 2008. 18- to 24-year-olds had the lowest voter turnout of all, with more than 60% staying home.
Perhaps this is not surprising, considering none of the mainstream parties’ campaigns focus on fundamental issues like the global environmental crisis, the worsening gap between rich and poor, and Canada’s participation in two foreign wars. The sentiment that there is not much difference between parties is common, and the only two parties ever to hold power have done little to invalidate it. Canada’s asinine first-past-the-post voting system only makes things worse: if your riding’s not a close race, you had just as well stay home.
Still, everyone from Rick Mercer to Murray Dobbin is encouraging you to get involved in the current election campaign: “If you think you don't have time to get involved in this election, that it's too painful or irritating -- try to imagine what it will be like every morning for four years waking up to the fact that Harper has a majority,” says Dobbin. Networks like Catch-22 have been set up to defeat the Conservatives via strategic voting in selected ridings.
In contrast, many who make a point of not voting argue that it legitimizes a broken system; that staying home on election day is a more potent political act. “Can't eat chicken, beef, fish or pork if I'm a vegetarian. I find this situation analogous to how I regard electoral choices,” says one non-voter I know.
What do you think? Will you vote in the federal election on May 2nd? Why or why not? Reply by posting a comment.
A few elections back, I decided to stop voting. I didn't want to vote strategically, as I thought it played into the hands of the two major parties. They used it to up the fear factor. Also, I didn't want to vote for something I didn't truly support. I decided that I would only vote FOR something. At the time, the only thing I felt I could truly be FOR was a commitment to shrink the economy. You know that saying, "It's the economy, stupid"? I agree, but not for the same reason. Those who say that are commenting on how politicians rise and fall with the economy and all other issues fall in behind that one. Unfortunately, it seems to be true. I also believe that a growing economy equals environmental and social destruction. ALL the parties stand for a growing economy/capitalism, even the greens. I can't, in good conscience, vote for that.
I have destroyed my ballot before. If there were an organized movement to do this, I would definitely participate. As it is, so few ballots are spoiled that I think the general public thinks these are accounted for by people who are too stupid to know how to fill out a ballot. I do think it would be effective if 10, 20, 30% of ballots were spoiled, but I don't see that happening.
A few elections back (or was it the last one?), I did try to vote. I decided a carbon tax was something I could vote for and decided to do so. I was disenfranchised.
I realize I benefit a lot from the social contract I am a part of. But I think a huge amount of that benefit comes at the expense of the environment and other people. I would give up much of these benefits for a more just world. I feel that by voting for a government that treats people and planet with utter disregard, I am playing a part in sanctioning these activities. I don't want to do that. I don't vote (currently), but I feel I am a much more engaged citizen than many who do. I live a frugal, low impact lifestyle. I vounteer & help others. I strive to better myself. I try to bring joy to the world. I try to be a net gain. I believe all of that contributes infinitely more to the social contract than a vote ever could.
It pains me to have this position. I would LOVE to live in a society where I WANTED to participate. Where I believed in the greater goals of all and wanted to pitch in and move those goals forward. As it is, I try to earn a small enough amount each year that I don't have to pay taxes, since they are used to kill people all over the world, and at home, directly, and indirectly.
Geoff, would I be able to ask you a few questions? I'm currently writing a story on voter disengagment and the election for a local paper, and I'd like to get your point of view especially since you've decided not to vote.
I am going to vote. I think the electoral system could use many reforms but I'm not convinced that the problems are so bad that it is not worth it to go and vote.
I am not going to vote.
This system is fundamentally corrupt. This Democracy is a sham. I want to take part in Life and Community. But, I can not in good conscience continue to take part in a system that supports the War agenda. - The Foreign policies of thesse Parties support the War agenda.
I feel that people who choose not to should be able to voice their dissatisfaction with the political system . . . by voting!
So we're starting The "I don't vote" Party of Canada. More info at the Facebook group here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_213673201982779&ap=1
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