I liked that documentary, @emc2018. It was really clear and well told.
As per that documentary: I think the idea that it’s just individual choice, which lots of people on this thread are saying, misses the fact that there are a lot of inhabitants of every modern country, including the US and UK and lots of others, who have no opportunity to vote, and whose lives are seriously affected by the results of democratic elections. Think about people in the future, like my children and yours, who can’t vote yet but whose lives are going to be enormously impacted by whatever climate policies are adopted now by wealthy countries – and ditto for manufacturing and jobs and economic policies. Think about child poverty rates (very high in the US); those kids can’t vote. Think about mass incarceration (super high in the US, obviously far far higher than any other rich country); the prisoners can’t vote. Think about immigrants and refugees (not treated particularly well in the US, imho, despite “bring me your tired, your poor… yearning to be free”); people in detention centers can’t vote. Think about people who live in districts where there are hardly any polling stations, or who have to stand in line for 6 hours to vote. Think about disabled folks who may struggle to vote in person even if they’re citizens. Think about all the people who have fought to get a voice in the community: it’s very very recent that Black people and women have been able to vote at all. It’s fine to think things are bad and there are huge structural issues that may take a really long time to change; there’s no quick fix and no overnight cure. It’s fine to think that most people in politics are flawed humans. Of course those things are true. But there are some pretty good non-selfish reasons to show up and vote anyway, if you think there are any ways that you’d like your society to be even a little teeny bit better, or you have even a tiny hope that there might be a chance of stopping it becoming disastrously worse, and if you have that beautiful, fragile privilege. Apathy is a great way to kill democracy and move to autocracy.
I’ve never voted before, didn’t like choosing the lesser of two shit shows, but this time I just have to. But, I struggled with the decision.
I’ve never bitched about the state of the union either, until these last few years. Which means I need to cast my ballot, so I have the right to say words about it.
I oversee elections. That’s my job. I also have to deal daily with voters coming to me - or, worse - automatically posting on social media some crazy voting rumor they heard on social media. Then social media yells at ME, a person who literally eats, sleeps and breathes voting, to vote!
That said, if you don’t vote,don’t bitch. But, personally, I feel a lot of times voting on local issues and candidates is more important than voting on national races. My 2 $.001
I agree with this sentiment 100%. Local issues and local officials may not get all the fawning press of their state and national counterparts, but the decisions they make and votes they cast have a much bigger impact on our daily lives. They set your local tax rates, fund and oversee the schools, make sure your streets aren’t full of potholes, how businesses of all sizes are treated in your town…and a myriad of other issues. If you don’t like voting, at least vote in your local elections. Your vote really counts this close to home.
Much agree with @Figgie here. Down races are equally, if not more, important than Presidential. Especially at a local level. If you ever bitched about why there is too much or too little development in your area, or the roads (hello potholes!), or quality or availability of education for your kids, or conservation efforts nearby or in your state…these are issues addressed by local government…school board, Mayor, conservation committee, prosecutors, etc.
Local and state races are a good place to have your voice be heard even if national politics feels out of touch.
The system for national elections in the USA isn’t too democratic. Neither is the two party system. Still I think this time around (maybe by exemption) there is something to choose between and choose about. And I’d think it’s important to vote there. Anybody who says there is no difference between Biden en Trump and the democrats and republicans in this election is blind imho.
It’s is the same way in many countries at the moment with populist right wing nationalists being popular and winning elections. In Europe Poland and Hungary are the best examples. And this certainly has a huge impact on everybody’s day to day life. And on the future of the country. And of the future of the world. So to me it’s important to vote, on all levels, even though my influence as an individual is next to nothing. I understand why people are more willing to vote locally, as there our influence is bigger and the outcome has a more direct outcome on our own lives. But plz don’t think that it doesn’t matter what colour the government of a country has. It does. A lot. That’s why I will vote. Everytime.
And this is exactly why there is always a get out the vote process before elections. There are so many people who stopped voting or never started or xyz. There are always people who register and vote for the first time. And who knows, maybe it spurs people to be more active in their community.
That’s because the US Federal system wasn’t designed as a direct democracy. It is a Constitutional Republic, and at the time of its founding, was unique in the world.
Part of the issue, I think, is that Civics and Government classes in many school systems have been reduced or eliminated. Understanding the citizen’s role and responsibility, as well as the roles, responsibilities, and most importantly powers of each level of government are key to the functioning of a free society. Understanding how things are supposed to work is the first step in identifying things that aren’t working. Understanding the intended role and power of government is key to knowing when it is overstepping its power, or failing in a responsibility.
Personally, I vote.
However, I think people should be able to opt to not vote, if they wish, without being scolded, questioned, or shamed for it. Freedom of choice.
I also have a lot of problems with the two-party system, as well as the popular vote not being what actually decides things. But anyhow -
I think the thing that bugs me about politics, especially in an election year, is people feeling the need to flaunt their allegiances…campaign signs on the lawn, bumper stickers, side-of-the-road smiling and waving…not a single one has EVER changed my mind or influenced my decision. Ever. I read up on the candidates/the issues (from multiple, diverse, and reputable sources), listen to them speak, and make an informed decision.
I don’t understand it. I was always taught that it’s a private thing. I remember in '96 when it was Clinton vs Dole (I was 8), I asked my Mom who she voted for and she wouldn’t tell me “because it’s private”. And you know what? She was exactly right.
Despite living a stones throw from Seattle, I actually live in a small town of about 20k people. I vote because there are a lot of local levies, ordinances and public officials that will directly affect my community as well as my own quality of life.
Wifey and I are always saying “I want to take a civics class!” I had one lousy civics class in high school for maybe just a quarter or a half the year can’t remember but loved it. Actually remember the teachers name. Mr Hughes. After that nothing. Nada. Zilch. I feel like ever day is a civics class around here now. Maybe this is what we needed.
Very well put.
Thank you.
I was fortunate to receive a fantastic civics and government class in 7th grade. I also had an uncle with whom I was very close, who had been a deputy ambassador in three countries. He encouraged my interests in history, world events, and political science, so much so that I chose to dual major in history and political science, in college. I figured an education in these areas would make me a more effective Marine officer. Even more so, I value being able to explain the how and why of the world to my kids.
My issue is it is literally on every single one of my social media apps.
It keeps giving me all the details of how I can go about voting in different ways 
I can’t even get on snapchat without it reminding me to go vote.
Well, IMHO it is the most important election in American history. Every other text message I get is political. Can’t stand it either. But this too shall pass.
I am telling and urging you, you really should go vote… lol 
Just reminding you not to forget to vote… lol
You are not being told what to do, you are being in couraged to make your on choice your own decision. Your not being held by gun point and being held hostage to anyone in particular. You have choice. Free choice. Take it or leave it. Hate is a very strong word over something. Your not being told, your being incouraged. You don’t have to listen…or do listen… It’s educational being aware… In Australia its very different here. We legally have to vote. We are literally told we have to vote. It’s not a suggestion.
I lent my vote to the tories in the last election but only because I wanted to see things being passed in the commons, otherwise I wouldn’t have voted for anyone because I don’t believe anyone out there is Conservative enough right now and Corbyn was wholly unelectable.
In terms of the US election, I listen to Ben Shapiro everyday, I watched the RNC, the DNC and I follow it really closely. I really think if I were American, I’d be voting for Trump over Biden for the same reasons - he’s only just Conservative enough and Biden seems to me to be completely unelectable
665,000 Americans eligible to vote live in Canada…5% vote