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Original poster

DH is saying he won’t vote as “They’re all as bad as each other”

118 replies

Guineapig456 · 01/11/2019 13:48

I’m really worried that a lot of people may feel the same way, we’re all mentally tired of Brexit and the politicians do seem hopeless to a smaller or larger extent. But if people like DH don’t vote, it scares me what could happen after the election. I’m not political in any way but I’m worried for our future and most importantly my DCs’ futures. Crime, the NHS vulnerable to a U.S. style takeover, economic struggles, plus Brexit still not finished simply feels too much. Yet saying that we’re not going to vote doesn’t feel right either. I don’t know who to vote for, just that I hope whoever wins the election can really do something to help the vulnerable in our society, provide opportunities for our young people, genuinely invest in the NHS and other public services so that people can live rather than just exist.

OP posts:

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 01/11/2019 19:03

He’s right.

I feel strongly that if people don’t want to vote then they shouldn’t. Better to not vote than regret your vote.

If I vote I will vote conservative. Does that make you hope I was like your dh and shouldn’t bother?

Iggly · 01/11/2019 19:04

I would be at the very least disappointed in my DH if he came out with such nonsense.

Kyvia · 01/11/2019 19:08

By voting for the least worst option you are still ratifying their entire manifesto.

I’m not sure about that. Like another poster I have major problems with every option.

I’m determined to choose one though and use my vote. But when I do figure it out I think I’ll write to them and explain why they only got my vote with a heavy heart for whatever reason it is.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Politics

rslsys · 01/11/2019 19:10

If you don't vote, then you will need to be silent until the next election.
You have forgone the right to complain, comment or express an opinion as far as anything political is concerned.

RolytheRhino · 01/11/2019 19:10

I don't know who the least worst option is. Based on my current understanding, it might actually be the Tories. That's not a great thought...

adaline · 01/11/2019 19:13

Meh, I agree with him. They're all as bad as each other.

I'll be voting green but it'll make fuck all difference.

egontoste · 01/11/2019 19:14

We are in a very 'safe' seat. As in one of the safest in the country. It is a complete waste of time voting for any other party, as they will never be elected in a million years.

The whole thing is a waste of time.

RoseToes · 01/11/2019 19:15

I agree with him

Iggly · 01/11/2019 19:15

I’m in a safe seat and not a party I support.
I’m still voting though. I think everyone should vote - it’s only through collective action can any difference be made.

JacksonPillock · 01/11/2019 19:17

if you don't vote, then you will need to be silent until the next election
You have forgone the right to complain, comment or express an opinion as far as anything political is concerned

Why?

orangeteal · 01/11/2019 19:17

My DH is saying the same, I respect his decision even if I disagree, it's his to make. I'm just glad he's not voting Tory tbh, he has done in the past (as have I) he's more centralist but doesn't trust any of them, I've veered to the left.

MotherAbigail · 01/11/2019 19:17

I agree. What if you vote for what you think is the least worst option, but they turn out to be the worst option when they get into power and do the opposite of what they said they would do. Then everyone calls you thick and stupid, and you deserve everything you get because you voted for the bastards in the first place....I want to give my vote to someone who I could defend in an argument, not a random default option.

RolytheRhino · 01/11/2019 19:20

Then everyone calls you thick and stupid, and you deserve everything you get because you voted for the bastards in the first place

Don't tell anyone who you voted for. Say you spoiled your ballot paper or voted green.

ButteryGarlic · 01/11/2019 19:23

I'm with your dh. I don't know who to vote for as I don't like what any of them stand for. I don't think there is an obvious better choice. I also don't want to use my vote to keep the status quo either. So what do I do? Not vote and accept what happens, or vote for any old party (just so that I use my vote) and accept what happens?

musicalmrs · 01/11/2019 19:23

I agree with rslsys. If you don't vote, you've lost your chance to make a difference (even if in an area with a safe seat). You cannot therefore complain about anything that happens until the next election as you've not exercised your democratic right to try and change things. So, no complaining about taxes, interest rates, Brexit, or anything that politics affects (so,basically,anything).

In his case he could either tactically vote, or spoil the ballot paper. At least if you spoil a paper you're making a statement that you care enough to turn up to the polling station and have your say. Where I am it's a very safe seat and unlikely to change (though you never know), but I'll still be voting.

adaline · 01/11/2019 19:37

I get why people in safe seats think it's pointless.

I used to live somewhere where the conservatives always got about 75% of the vote. If you voted labour/lib dem/green/monster raving loony party, it made absolutely no difference.

If you live in a stronghold like that it's very easy to feel disheartened.

Original poster

Guineapig456 · 01/11/2019 19:39

I can understand everyone views and, although there are differing opinions, what strikes me is how cynical a lot of us feel and resigned to the fact that we don’t really have any truly positive options. They’re all the “best” of a (very) bad bunch!! I’ve also looked at the tactical voting website which someone mentioned up thread. In my area, it seems that the tories have an overwhelming majority 😭 but the only contender would be Labour 😭 It’s a horrible prospect either way and I find it terrifying that these people are trusted with my family’s future.

OP posts:

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/11/2019 19:41

Who do I vote for? I can't bear Corbyn.
Unless you live in his constituency you can't vote for Corbyn anyway. He won't be the Labour leader for ever.

TheBitterBoy · 01/11/2019 19:50

The thing is, even safe seats do sometimes swing. When I was a teenager where I lived was one of the safest Tory seats in the country but in the Labour landslide of 97 it went red, and even the candidate was astonished, he totally was not expected to win. He's been the MP ever since. My mum and dad faithfully voted labour every time before that, even though 'there's no point it's a safe Tory seat'. If everyone who thought there's no point actually voted some of these safe seats might not be so safe.

poshme · 01/11/2019 19:51

If you live in a safe seat, and you vote for the party you want it does help in a small way.
Opposition parties get money to help their work in Parliament. How much they get depends on how many votes they get. More votes= more money to become a stronger voice in Parliament.

BoneyBackJefferson · 01/11/2019 19:52

rslsys
If you don't vote, then you will need to be silent until the next election.
You have forgone the right to complain, comment or express an opinion as far as anything political is concerned.

What absolute rot (the nicer term).
Its a good thing that democracy doesn't work that way.

I know many people that don't vote but are very politically active.
They do more than the vast majority of voters do.

Redspider1 · 01/11/2019 19:52

I’m with your DH. I genuinely don’t know who to vote for. I don’t respect them or trust them.

Ohdeariedear · 01/11/2019 19:55

I want to vote but...

I would say I’m politically engaged and I’m struggling...

SNP is a vote for indyref2 and I don’t want that
Labour are bat-shit crazy at the moment so no
Tories is a vote for brexit, which I don’t want
Lib Dems have no chance here, ditto Greens

I will vote for someone, it’s my duty and my right, but there’s not even a least worst option for me this time round. It sucks. Tactical voting says SNP.

(Also - spoiling your paper is no big gesture. As someone upthread said, they don’t get looked at other than to go in the spoiled pile at the count. )

listsandbudgets · 01/11/2019 20:02

at the very least he should go and spoil his ballot paper.

Tell him that all spoilt ballot papers are put to one side and the candidates and their agents all have to look at them and agree that they are not valid votes or try to argue that the voter has displayed a clear preference (for themselves obviously!!) This is a really good chance for him to write whatever he wants on his ballot paper and get his message directly to the candidates

DianaT1969 · 01/11/2019 20:12

I wish there was one protest party to vote for. In the spirit of BoatyMcBoatface. We all vote for the fictional 'non-arsehole party'. You could throw a dart in the street and I'd have more faith in the random person it hits than in either the Tories or Labour.

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