Coordinating spoilt ballots

[Binglebong]

I know there is a thread about have you spoilt your ballot but this is slightly different.

I'm trying to hold my nose and vote for someone but there is not a single potential MP in my constituency who does not disgust me. I don't want to vote Reform or someone as a protest as it might be seen that they have more support than they do. So the liklihood is that I will spoil my vote.

I know spoilt votes only really get looked at if there is a huge number or if the vote is close. But just in case I was wondering if it is worth having the same thing written on all of them to show that it is a massive issue that is losing them votes. What would you suggest (if you think it is a good idea).
Respect my sex if you want my X is a good one but is it the best?

I see the finger-waggers are out in force on this thread.

You really don't get it. I believe that if any of the parties get in they will do great harm. I know one of the will but while I cannot stop them I can stand up and say I don't support them. You're right, the spoilt votes probably will do nothing. But it is still doing more than voting for them under protest and indicating I support their actions.

How did that work out for Brexit? Like I said, people can do what they want but lets not pretend it is anything noble or impactful.

I have been to many counts, including as a candidate, so I'm aware of how much scrutiny is given to spoilt ballots. I have stood for elections I have had v little chance of winning so that I and others who share my political views had someone to vote for. Our very safe seat is now looking considerably less so, and it is not the only one. That was also the case in 2019 election. Votes counted count.

I prefer protester...

To all of those scolding is for wanting us to spoil our ballots, so do you agree with these statements by Labour politicians? Because I certainly don't and I will NOT vote for politicians who say this kind of stuff. How can they in all seriousness utter these words? Are they stupid???

Pic didn't link

That was a referendum - we were asked our opinion on what direction the country should take. Why would be the argument for spoiling a ballot for that? I can't see the link to this general election.

One thing is think of the thousands of counters who will see the same message over and over again. It could be a way to reach millions.

I go think the number of spoilt ballots and what is written on them should be released. Perhaps a future campaign?

You're right, the spoilt votes probably will do nothing. But it is still doing more than voting for them under protest and indicating I support their actions.

One of these equally reprehensible political parties is going to get into power. How is a 'do nothing' effect action a protest?

Because there is the CHANCE of it doing something. And it still means they get one less vote.

Now, shall we get back on subject - if you, despite all the arguments, decide to spoil your vote: what should you write?

I think that it would be noticed if there were more spoiled votes than the gap between first and second.

You are not being scolded. It's the delusions of grandeur associated with the spoilt ballot paper that is the issue. A spoilt ballot paper has no power. As my old granny used to say "you can't polish a turd".

I see we've reached the stage of insults once the scolding fails.
Though I agree with you that custom made stickers are sooo middle class. I prefer edgy working class forms of protest, like the time those MSPs stood in front of a hand made banner calling for the decapitation of uppity women.

So what exactly do you want us to do...?

The law of unintended consequences.

These threads are like catnip to
them. They're lurking, dying to tell people how very wrong they are for actually considering all candidates carefully before deciding there's nobody to vote for. Seemingly, we're not allowed red line issues we won't vote for under any circumstances. 🙄

Violence against women has no class.

I'm putting 'none of the above.'

A spoilt ballot paper has no power.

I respectfully disagree. The number of spoiled ballots is counted as a matter of course in all elections and has been for years.

A sudden spike will be noticeable and candidates would be fools not to take note of one (if there is one).

Spoiling a ballot with a slogan requires all candidates to check to see it's not meant as a vote for a particular candidate.

There is a now defunct website which I think sets out the reasons for spoiling your ballot paper quite well.

www.votenone.org.uk/

However, the messages on spoilt ballots aren't recorded so you can write whatever you want.

I can't tell you what to do. We are getting a government I wouldn't choose regardless (bottom of my list would be Reform). I can't control that, but I can control where I spend my energy. I will be throwing my support behind anyone/ group who will, through legitimate means, force the incoming/ returning government's hand on projecting single sex spaces and other rights for biological women, amongst other things.

But staying at home is more likely to be interpreted as apathy/laziness/CBA rather than a protest. Protest must be active, it can't be passive.

Above all, it's important to make the effort to make a mark. Whether it's against a candidate you support or as a spoiler to indicate dissatisfaction.

Politicians judge their "legitimacy" by the size of their majorities AND by whether people turn out to vote. Hold your nose and vote for a party and they'll claim you support everything in their manifesto, although that is obviously bollocks.

Spoil your ballot paper and you send a message that you want to vote (and will in subsequent elections) but you dont support them. I've used "none of the above" before (and all boxes crossed through) but I like writing in Party of Women for this election.

All politicians know there will be other elections and I like indicating what I do want to vote for. I am still considering whether to vote for the tories, though, as a landslide is not good for democracy.