Why is voting not only impotent, but redundant?

Simple the term “two party system”. This term is a device thought up by the two dominant (and in all reality only) partys in government. This is a misleading term that seems to suggest that we only have two choices, democrat and republican. That is not only false, but a very very dangerous way of thinking. We keep voting for the same two parties. Why? How stupid is voting for two parites who keep f***ing us over time and time again. Its like a teacher asking us a question and we keep guessing A and B over and over again and no matter how many times that answer is wrong, we never try anything else. So stupid. But that is part of the term “two party system” and its brainwashing effect. The news only talks about candidates in those two parties and no-one even thinks there are other choices in most cases. Campaining is also stupid because the polititians can say what they will and wont do in office, but the fact of the matter is that they will do exactly what their party tells them to do (save the occational vote against their partys favor, that they know is fruitless but gets them something to brag about in the next campaign.) Why do they do what their party tells them to do? Because if they dont, they dont push their partys agenda and magicaly they aren’t in the primarys next election. Imagine that. So your not voting for Obama or Hilary or congessman X, your voting for an agenda pushing committee who use whips and threats of ruining someones career to do the same things every term. Also why help put these people in office when if some people vote, as opposed to everyone, the outcome WILL be the same, if 40% want candidate X and 60% want candidate Y, it doesn’t matter if a thousand people vote or a million vote, the outcome is the same, we get a shitty party’s puppet in office either way.

STOP VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS, OR DONT VOTE AT ALL.

Nice article btw.

Though, I agree with you Nicole. I largely argue for the sake of arguing and I suppose I could preface that next time. There are many options and for me it will come down to my priorities. Unfortunately politics is not a priority right now because my desired impact can not be achieved.

I can wait..

If you do, in fact, have doubt that your vote will *physically* be counted correctly, then that is a problem. A representational government does not work if it can’t be assured that care is given to count votes correctly. I will admit to having doubts about electronic voting machines. Thus my Luddite choice to fill out a paper ballot.

Also, because you pay attention to politics only a few weeks a year, do not assume everyone is similar. Many of us are paying attention *all the time*.

Okay, my real point is that being apathetic doesn’t fix the perceived problems you see. Can you encourage non-sucktacular candidates to get involved? Can you vote when you feel something, anything needs to change? Can you volunteer at a voting center? Can you vote for a county clerk you trust to count your vote correctly?

I’m frustrated with the state of things as well, but walking away from the system won’t make it better.

Using circumstantial evidence in a few elections hardly demonstrates the power our votes have. Of course “every vote counts”… if counted correctly. You make your assumptions (my vote will be counted) and I’ll make mine (for any vote I don’t cast there will be someone else not casting the exact opposite).

Hehe, instead of one red vote and one blue vote we’ll just stick to zero for each.

In a 2002 Senate election in South Dakota, the incumbent squeaked through with only 524 more votes than his opponent. Each vote is very significant in such races. And I’m sure there have been closer races. I would also venture to say that each vote will count in District 4’s House Rep race being voted on today.

Sure, some of the candidates as of late have had a major suck factor, but it only gets better when we’re involved. Voting is one way to be involved.

But, you’re right — the representative government (democracy) we have will get better if you aren’t an active citizen. Um, yeah…