Does my vote matter?
Well the US presidential elections are coming up again, and once again I find myself completely unmotivated to make my way to a ballot box. I'm constantly hounded by people, particularly professors, telling me "Your vote counts!" but quite frankly I don't buy it. Partially because I'm one of over 300 million people in this country, and suggesting that my vote is relevant to this process is like saying one particular grain of sand on the beach needs to be there in order for the ocean to work. And more importantly, I oppose the Electoral College. I think it's absurd that the majority of the people in this country can want and vote for one presidential candidate, yet a different one wins because of this bogus election system. It additionally makes the candidates completely ignore most of the country and focus on a few select "swing" states, and, generally, the candidates cater to and try to appease the people in these states over everyone else. Why not just hold a popular vote, you know, like a real democracy would? Outside of the presidential election it's also irritating to know that because of voting districts the significance of my vote has been removed; if my district contains a majority of Republicans, for example, my vote is overruled by their own and my whole district votes Republican.
Yes, you should vote!
Side Score: 7
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No, your vote doesn't count
Side Score: 9
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2
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I believe it is apathy that demotivates you more than logic and reasoning. There is always a reason to vote - to signify your opinion. Even if it is unlikely to change something in the grand scheme of things, simply by showing that one more person supports certain views, it adds more weight to these views. However miniscule, this is an effect of your vote. Secondly, in a collective sense, votes matter. It is estimated that there are enough unregistered voters to turn Arizona into a swing state. If everyones apathy gets the better of them, then nothing changes - it is only be putting in some (small) effort that things change, and they most definitely can. Even though you can only use your one vote (as well as getting other people to vote), if everyone uses that power, then it is undeniable that votes do matter. Side: Yes, you should vote!
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Apathy is defined as a lack of interest or concern, and that's simply not true of me in regards to my politics. I am very interested in the going-ons of my government, and very concerned about some of those going-ons, too! I just don't see a point in voting when individually I can't make a difference. Elections aren't won by one vote, and the voting system wouldn't allow for a candidate to win by one individual vote, anyways. There is always a reason to vote - to signify your opinion. My opinion is that the voting system is bullshit; I am expressing an opinion of sorts by boycotting it. And neither of the main candidates, one of whom will surely win, share my view about this so I can't vote for a change in the system. Secondly, in a collective sense, votes matter. I wanted to address this in the debate description, but it was already getting a little long and opinionated for my taste so I left it out. I know that voting is a very important part of the democratic process, but I don't feel my vote specifically counts for anything. My concern isn't with other people using their voting power, it is with my own voting power, or lack thereof. Side: No, your vote doesn't count
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I mean apathy in terms of which way your vote goes (as you've said, a small, and most probably irrelevant fact), not in terms of politics. You wouldn't be asking the question if you were apathetic towards politics. My opinion is that the voting system is bullshit Agreed. But I think that your voice is more likely to be heard if you vote for the politician that you want, but then leave a few comments on various forums (such as here), where it's probably read by more people than you think, or contact a few local politicians, and tell them how you feel. Simply boycotting the system is going to be seen as apathy anyway, and by talking directly to politicians (yes, you can tell them you disagree with the way they conduct/have to conduct themselves) they will actually pay a little more attention than they would otherwise, and they might just agree with you. As I mentioned collective behaviour, if enough people agree with you, and do the same, then a change is possible. I know that voting is a very important part of the democratic process, but I don't feel my vote specifically counts for anything. I was more referring to the idea that there are many people in the same position, and that if everyone decided not to vote, then democracy is useless. Even if your vote is inconsequential, does that mean you should give up? 'Be the change you want to see in the world', and all that bullshit. Essentially, while your decision itself probably won't make a difference, there are millions of people all around the country making the same decision, and what they decide could change the country in a very large way. And how can you expect everyone else to make the right decision (to vote en masse), if you yourself won't do your part? Side: No, your vote doesn't count
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I don't know. As a liberal Republican, neither of the main presidential candidates share my views or represent my beliefs. Well, they both half share my views. Voting for a third party in what is effectively a two party system is even more pointless than casting a vote for a main party, so I don't think I'll be doing that, either. And there's the general, prevailing disgust I feel towards all politicians that kind of makes me despise all candidates every time they open their vote-whoring mouths. I feel I'd rather vote for nobody at all rather than try to choose which politician I distrust the least. Side: Yes, you should vote!
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As much as I'd like to think it does, statistically it most likely won't make a difference. You're more likely to be struck by lightning twice than have your vote make a difference. In all but four states, you are more likely to die from dog bite. In most cases, you would even have a better chance of winning the lottery. All this being said though, I think voting is a privilege. Its an opportunity to give your opinion a voice. Besides, if you spread the word a little bit to friends and family, you're already making a difference. If everyone thought that their vote would not matter and abstained, where would we be? Side: No, your vote doesn't count
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Not if you're voting for Obama ;) But seriously, if you don't vote, then after the elections, when things start to go bad, you can honestly say, "Hey..., don't look at me..., I didn't vote for that ass hole." ;) I guess I wasn't serious after all ;) Side: No, your vote doesn't count
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Your vote doesn't matter statistically, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't vote. Voting should be viewed as a way to generally express your views ideologically. That's why I don't buy into the strategic voting people do (i.e. when some conservatives tell other conservatives to all vote for Romney to defeat Obama etc.) it doesn't work and it doesn't represent what you think anyway. Side: No, your vote doesn't count
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Your vote technically doesnt count when you are voting for the president. The Electoral College is the final step in the voting process and they decide and the majority wins. So, your vote doesnt really mean anything. As for voting for state laws, yes your vote does in fact count. Side: No, your vote doesn't count
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