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Original poster

Who else doesn't vote?? And why???

81 replies

sweetheart · 18/04/2005 13:48

I was having a peek on "The Sun" website this morning and saw they have launched a campaign to get younger people to vote.

I am 24 and have never voted - not even in a local election.

I don't vote because -

I don't know much about politics or what each party stands for
I don't have the time to find out
And whatever pre-election promises are made they are normally a load of bollocks anyway.
Plus, from what I've seen - I don't like any of the candidates.

Is there anyone else out there the same or am I just being a irresposible citizen by wasting my vote.

Oh btw, dh is 25 and he doesn't vote either!!!

OP posts:
morningpaper · 18/04/2005 14:58

Sweetheart: Try the BBC Newsround guide to the main parties (I learn anything complicated from the BBC children's sites....)

flamesparrow · 18/04/2005 14:59

75% ?????

Original poster
sweetheart · 18/04/2005 14:59

well maybe someone can tell me who to vote for then - basically I'd like a government where:-

Schools were given more money
Hospital waiting times are reduced and treatments are better
Maternity benefits rise
Working families tax credits go up
and i don't have to pay any more tax.
Oh, and no more bloomin wars - I'm a peace loving gal!!!!!

These are the issues that effect me at the moment but I'm sure they'll change.
So which party should I be voting for then - to all those well informed people out there.

OP posts:
Original poster
sweetheart · 18/04/2005 15:01

morning paper - just what I need - a dummies guide to polotics

But just out of interest - doesn't the BBC favour one party over another - doesn't this mean that their perception of the other parties will be tainted?!?!?!?!

OP posts:
Dophus · 18/04/2005 15:02

Sadly if you want to increase public spending you have to increase tax..

morningpaper · 18/04/2005 15:02

Well being a hardcore newlabourite I would argue that the first 5 of your points would probably point to Labour, based on their last 4 years.

The last one would point to the RESPECT coalition I think...

Original poster
sweetheart · 18/04/2005 15:09

well having looked at the newsround website

their polocies all look pretty similar to me - of the 3 main candidates. Havn't read the others yet.

So far lib dems seem favorite to me but I still don't know what I'm talking about so don't shoot me - please!!!!

OP posts:
flamesparrow · 18/04/2005 15:09

I think newsround is a great way to go!!!

Sums it all up in little bits... off to look myself now

flamesparrow · 18/04/2005 15:14

Boy will be pleased... out of all the policies, I like plaid cymru the best

Gobbledigook · 18/04/2005 15:15

I'm with enigma - I think women fought and died for our right to vote, not our obligation and if someone feels that they don't know enough about politics to make an informed decision then that makes sense to me.

I know what you are saying about spoiling ballots but I really don't think that's going to achieve anything.

I vote btw, just don't like this nastiness (as I see it) towards those who don't.

crunchie · 18/04/2005 15:16

That 75% is in our office, it is not the average. However they do say that Tory people are more likely to vote than Labour, so it is scarey

Dophus · 18/04/2005 15:18

I suspect turn out will be low - If I were TB I would be focussing on increasing turnout.

Actually if I were TB I would have handed over to GB...

flamesparrow · 18/04/2005 15:22

If you were TB you'd be too scared to come on here!!!

Dophus · 18/04/2005 15:24

Too right!

swiperfox · 18/04/2005 15:27

I have never voted and i'm 28 this year. Sometimes when I've told people that they've looked at me in disgust!! However I amittedly and somewhat ashamedly admit that I know nothing whatsoever about politics. I have an inkling about some of it but I dont think enough to make a proper decision.

I do really like Tony Blair from what I've seen of him - but thats not a basisi to vote for him - I dont know enough about what he does/doesn't do.

swiperfox · 18/04/2005 15:29

However i do know that the lib dems would scrap the child trust fund.

flamesparrow · 18/04/2005 15:29

I always wanted to vote Lib dem when I was growing up cos paddy ashdown looked really sweet

Original poster
sweetheart · 18/04/2005 15:30

oh so maby not lib dems then?!?!?!?

See this is why I don't vote!!!!

Welsome to my side of the fence swiperfox

OP posts:
flamesparrow · 18/04/2005 15:31

Deepends what they'd do with the money really....

I'm still swaying towards Lib Dem more... do you have to be in Wales to vote for Cymru?

swiperfox · 18/04/2005 15:32

thanks sweetheart! I'm always too scared to say i dont vote because people tend to have a go at me!

Basically mum Mum never voted either so I never grew up being taught about who does what.

Maybe its time i learnt!!

enigma · 18/04/2005 15:32

Swiperfox,

My personal beef is people who vote but don't understand what they are voting for - i.e. people who vote labour / conservative etc because they have always voted that way, and it is some kind of emotional / traditional connection rather than a rational choice.

How can that be 'morally' better than choosing not to vote? Don't think you have anything to be ashamed of.

swiperfox · 18/04/2005 15:40

I dont think i havew anything to be ashamed of because from what I have seen , in one way or another they are all as bad as each other when it comes down to it. I believe that you give any party the vote to be elected into government and the confidence of the vote they'll turn around and do what they want anyway.

It's only something I have started to think about since having children as I worry about their schooling etc

Original poster
sweetheart · 18/04/2005 15:44

I agree swiperfox.

If you feel bad about school funding but don't want to vote why don't you donate some money to the school - at least that way you are doing what you want with your money. I know you still have to pay taxes but this is what I would do.

OP posts:
Lonelymum · 18/04/2005 18:53

In Australia, where dh is from, it is illegal not to vote. We were discussing that a few days ago and I came to the conclusion I thought thay was wrong too, but to think that so many people don't vote through sheer apathy is appalling frankly. I wish I could use your vote if you have no intention of voting!

KatieMac · 18/04/2005 19:52

I think that it should be a legal requirement to vote - BUT I also think that there should be a box saying that 'I have no confidence in any candidate'

BTW I want proportional representation (or what ever is not 'first past the post')- you know the one Lib/Dems want

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