My vote feels a bit worthless

[LittlePeopleCo]

This will be the first GE since I have lived in my current area. The local ward is Conservative and has been since the dawn of time. I vote Labour.
I looked up the results for elections in the ward and for example, last time Conservative and Lib Dem came very close to each other with Labour only getting 1/6th of the number of votes that either the other two parties get.

I don't want to vote Lib Dem, I think NC talks a lot and actually says very little and WILL NOT vote for the conservatives.

I feel like my vote will be utterly wasted. I also feel like Labour know it too, there have been no Labour flyers through my door, no Gordon Brown billboards nearby.
Feel so annoyed that by moving areas I have 'lost' my chance to make a difference in my area. I can vote for Labour, but around here it won't matter because they still won't win.

[aubergine70]

By voting you'll affect the winning party's majority. Next time round this might just affect someone like you whose thinking what's the point or the way the different parties view your constituency.

I've never voted for the winning side but I like to know I've had my say that I'm not happy with whose won.

[Chil1234]

I think the phrase is 'stand up and be counted'. Have the courage of your convictions and place the cross where you honestly think it should go. Vote for what you believe in rather than based on what you think everyone else is going to do and then at least you can look yourself in the eye on Friday morning and see someone who may not have the MP they want but who still has their integrity....

[CheeryCherry]

My situation too, its always been a Lib Dem area. Still, I will NOT vote for Tory scum and WILL be voting Labour...but I too feel it will be a wasted vote. Will do it anyway!

[LittlePeopleCo]

I should have said that I will be voting, just feel like this time around it is just a paper exercise and won't have any impact.

Where I lived before it was a close run thing each time and I liked the feeling that my vote could really make a difference IYSWIM.

[LittlePeopleCo]

Gavin - I hear what you are saying about local elections being important too and I know they are but for me, and a lot of others, this election is much more about the bigger picture.

[said]

It's difficult isn't it? I'm in exactly the same position (no Labour leaflets at all) but knowing I couldn't ever vote tory makes the decision a little easier (for me). If it's very marginal I would vote to stop a tory win. If not so marginal, vote for who you want.

It does make me question NC's claim that the Lib Dems have such a significant share of teh vote though and this is why PR works against them. Many vote LibDem to stop another party getting a majority. The LibDems vote share possibly benefits from the current system, ironically.

[Chil1234]

Well Gavin.. I was thinking of going LibDem in the locals but your appearance on Mumsnet to do a little off-piste electioneering has made up my mind. Sorry mate

[LittlePeopleCo]

Said - You're right, but the Lib Dems won't give any indication of how they would go if it were hung. I don't want to vote for them to keep the tories out to find out they were in bed together the whole time!

[omnishambles]

I agree with said - am not sure how much is marginal though - ie where the line is.

Gsvin - much as I dislike politrolls - well doen for being honest and upfront and using your own name.

[said]

LittlePeople - I worry about that as well. Wish you could write it on the ballot paper that "you only get this vote on the proviso you don't schmooze to Cameron."

[LittlePeopleCo]

Said - Yes, there should be get out clause or something!

[omnishambles]

I think mostly the policies are so divergent that there wont be a lot of agreement tbh. And havent they said that nothing will happen without the voting reform?

IMO Lib/Tory is better than just Tory.

[said]

Yes, NC changed his message a bit after his statement about not supporting Brown if Labour came 1/3 out of the vote share (which is why I wondered/mentioned why the LibDems share of teh vote is higher). It was after teh thread on here about teh issue. He then said he wouldn't form a coalition with a party which won't consider reform of teh voting system. So, who will he form a coalition with?

Any dilution of a tory govt has to be better.

[catinthehat2]

Posted this on Gav's other thread:

"This is so buttock clenchingly embarassing, I can only conclude that this is a prank by a rival candidate. Genius.

I shall sit back and watch the car crash.

If I am wrong, this guy is an utter dick, preserved in Google aspic for years to come.

Looking forward to further posts Gavin!"

[catinthehat2]

Gutted.

I was just sitting down with a cup of tea to throw cabbages and rotten eggs good & proper, and now he's been deleted. Spolied my fun.

[Chil1234]

Everyone can relax. Cameron has said a big 'no' to PR and the Euro. Which means that if the Lib Dems do hold the balance of power on Friday they will naturally side with Labour. And that means GB doesn't have to book the removal van....

Vote 'change' and get the 'meme chose'....