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Make your vote count - whatever the weather
IT is forecast for
rain, you are
disillusioned with
politicians and it is
not clear what your
councillors actually
do.
It is tempting to think it is
not worth bothering to cast
your vote tomorrow.
With only about a third of
electors making it to the polls
in local elections you are
probably not alone.
But election chiefs,
political parties, organisations
and others are working
hard to show it is essential
for a healthy democracy.
Gerry Stoker, professor
of politics at University
of Southampton, says
there are two key reasons
why people should vote.
Chiefly, it holds politicians
to account, making
them more sensitive to
public opinion and influence.
Click here to see our Local Election 2008 section
There is also a moral
argument that it is a citizen's
duty to use the
rights fought for by previous
generations.
The Electoral
Commission, the independent
body that regulates
elections, has
already run a multimedia
awareness day on
the importance of registering
to vote and using it.
Councils also have a duty
by law to take "appropriate" steps to encourage participation
by electors.
In general this year's crop
of Hampshire councils going
to the polls have a better than
average record, despite
limited moves to boost turnout such
as encouraging more postal
votes and running local awareness campaigns in council literature.
Winchester has a traditional
turnout of around 45 per
cent. Both Eastleigh and
Fareham, similar in size,
fluctuate around 40 per
cent.
However, Southampton is
still lagging behind, with a turnout of around 30 per cent and as
few as 15 per cent of electors
voting in one city centre ward.
Last year city election
chiefs tried to intervene by
sending out buses and even a
spotter plane to spread the
get out and vote message.
However the costly exercise,
which attracted criticism
for potentially distorting
turnout in some wards,
will not be repeated.
Instead the council is
restricting itself to newspaper
adverts.
But Mr Stocker believes
that rather there being a crisis
in turnout, the lower profile
of local election campaigning
make figures for
general elections look comparatively
poor.
Even with
such intensive and prolonged
media exposure just 61 per
cent voted in 2005.
He said a deeper problem
was the incentive to vote and
knowledge of the candidates.
"You've got to knowthere is
a real choice and believe that
choice willmake a difference
and outcomes will change," he said.
"Postal votes and making it
easier to vote, none of those
really cut themustard unless
you've answered those two
questions."
Sir Simon Milton, chairman
of the Local
Government Association
agrees.
"The best way to boost
turnout at local elections
would be to give councils
greater powers to genuinely
improve people's lives," he
said.
"More people would vote at
council elections if local
authorities had power to
raise and retain more money
locally."
1:20pm Wednesday 30th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Paul, Southampton on 2:00pm Wed 30 Apr 08
"He said a deeper problem was the incentive to vote and knowledge of the candidates."
We have had no literature from any candidate so who do I vote for??? What are their policies??
I also want them to tell me what they are going to do for me and for the city, not tell me not to vote for the others. Too much of politics is negative, don't vote for them because, etc... I want them to know the positives as to why I should vote for their particular political party.
"He said a deeper problem was the incentive to vote and knowledge of the candidates."
We have had no literature from any candidate so who do I vote for??? What are their policies??
I also want them to tell me what they are going to do for me and for the city, not tell me not to vote for the others. Too much of politics is negative, don't vote for them because, etc... I want them to know the positives as to why I should vote for their particular political party.
Posted by: wills, soton on 2:04pm Wed 30 Apr 08
I could not disagree more with the learned gentlemen. Holding politicians to account - the problem has been at odds with their thinking, it is a reduction in council powers and more about democracy - how about actually listening to people and their concerns and problems and a little less dogma, social engineering, judgements made by people who have no moral or intellectual right to make such judgements. If I am wrong why the hell are we in the mess we are today. For too long we have listened to experts, what in hells name is a professor of politics ? Says it all really, and thereby lies the problem, politicians we elect then surround themselves with advisors and yes those that lobby on behalf of the powerful. Not tory or socialist -just trying to be a realist, too long we have put up with with this bloody nonsense that masquerades as democracy !
I could not disagree more with the learned gentlemen. Holding politicians to account - the problem has been at odds with their thinking, it is a reduction in council powers and more about democracy - how about actually listening to people and their concerns and problems and a little less dogma, social engineering, judgements made by people who have no moral or intellectual right to make such judgements. If I am wrong why the hell are we in the mess we are today. For too long we have listened to experts, what in hells name is a professor of politics ? Says it all really, and thereby lies the problem, politicians we elect then surround themselves with advisors and yes those that lobby on behalf of the powerful. Not tory or socialist -just trying to be a realist, too long we have put up with with this bloody nonsense that masquerades as democracy !
Posted by: George on 2:31pm Wed 30 Apr 08
George Knowitall, professor of grumpy old man at University of Southampton, says there are two key reasons why people shouldn't vote.
1) The parties are the same and wouldnt change anything of note
2)Thursday is job day in the echo
George Knowitall, professor of grumpy old man at University of Southampton, says there are two key reasons why people shouldn't vote.
1) The parties are the same and wouldnt change anything of note
2)Thursday is job day in the echo
Posted by: Mum of 3 blacks and a ginger girl, soton on 3:15pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Nah i'm not voting... Ive just got hold of GTA IV which is a lot more important... Plus i do vote on fings like xfactor and strictly come dancin init
Nah i'm not voting... Ive just got hold of GTA IV which is a lot more important... Plus i do vote on fings like xfactor and strictly come dancin init
Posted by: Creature Void of Form on 3:23pm Wed 30 Apr 08
last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway.
Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?
last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway.
Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?
Posted by: George on 3:33pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote:
last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?[/quote] Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding
.
I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.
Creature Void of Form wrote:
last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?
Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding
.
I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.
Posted by: Paul, Southampton on 3:57pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]George[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?[/quote] Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.[/quote] I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters.
George wrote:
Creature Void of Form wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?
Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.
I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters.
Posted by: Creature Void of Form on 4:07pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Paul[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]George[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?[/quote] Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.[/quote] I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters. [/quote] agreed
Paul wrote:
George wrote: Creature Void of Form wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?
Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.
I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters.
agreed
Posted by: jimbo, Southampton on 4:16pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Paul[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]George[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?[/quote] Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.[/quote] I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters. [/quote] agreed[/quote] Absolute rubbish. Why do you think this idea has never been explored? The whole point of democracy is to allow us, the people, to run our country. Voting for 'nobody' defeats the whole object. Candidates are not monsters from another planet, they are people like US. If you don't like any of the candidates, get off your backside and stand yourself.
Creature Void of Form wrote:
Paul wrote: George wrote: Creature Void of Form wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?
Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.
I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters.
agreed
Absolute rubbish. Why do you think this idea has never been explored? The whole point of democracy is to allow us, the people, to run our country. Voting for 'nobody' defeats the whole object. Candidates are not monsters from another planet, they are people like US. If you don't like any of the candidates, get off your backside and stand yourself.
Posted by: Tabatha, St Denys on 4:18pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]jimbo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Paul[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]George[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don\'t want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren\'t voting because they don\'t want any of the options in control, not that they can\'t be bothered?[/quote] Well that\'s a reason for introducing an \"Abstain\" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I\'m glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who\'s in my area though.[/quote] I\'d like an \"abstain\" or \"none of the above\" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters. [/quote] agreed[/quote] Absolute rubbish. Why do you think this idea has never been explored? The whole point of democracy is to allow us, the people, to run our country. Voting for \'nobody\' defeats the whole object. Candidates are not monsters from another planet, they are people like US. If you don\'t like any of the candidates, get off your backside and stand yourself.[/quote] Agree with Jimbo. You never know, you might even get some votes. Assuming you are not terrifying to look at.
jimbo wrote:
Creature Void of Form wrote: Paul wrote: George wrote: Creature Void of Form wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don\'t want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren\'t voting because they don\'t want any of the options in control, not that they can\'t be bothered?
Well that\'s a reason for introducing an \"Abstain\" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I\'m glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who\'s in my area though.
I\'d like an \"abstain\" or \"none of the above\" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters.
agreed
Absolute rubbish. Why do you think this idea has never been explored? The whole point of democracy is to allow us, the people, to run our country. Voting for \'nobody\' defeats the whole object. Candidates are not monsters from another planet, they are people like US. If you don\'t like any of the candidates, get off your backside and stand yourself.
Agree with Jimbo. You never know, you might even get some votes. Assuming you are not terrifying to look at.
Posted by: George on 4:20pm Wed 30 Apr 08
That's too simplistic a view, Jimbo.
Some people don't vote because they feel no-one represents them. At the moment though, they are simply hoovered up and classified as suffering from "voter apathy".
And besides, I doubt many people would feel they could cut it in the world of politics and simply don't want to stand. Why should they be denied a voice, just because they can't find a candidate to agree with?
That's too simplistic a view, Jimbo.
Some people don't vote because they feel no-one represents them. At the moment though, they are simply hoovered up and classified as suffering from "voter apathy".
And besides, I doubt many people would feel they could cut it in the world of politics and simply don't want to stand. Why should they be denied a voice, just because they can't find a candidate to agree with?
Posted by: jimbo, Southampton on 4:29pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]George[/bold] wrote:
That's too simplistic a view, Jimbo. Some people don't vote because they feel no-one represents them. At the moment though, they are simply hoovered up and classified as suffering from "voter apathy". And besides, I doubt many people would feel they could cut it in the world of politics and simply don't want to stand. Why should they be denied a voice, just because they can't find a candidate to agree with?[/quote] If they stand or find a friend (unlikely) to stand then they'd have a voice. Alternatively they can do nothing forever and be forgotten by the system, ha gutted.
George wrote:
That's too simplistic a view, Jimbo. Some people don't vote because they feel no-one represents them. At the moment though, they are simply hoovered up and classified as suffering from "voter apathy". And besides, I doubt many people would feel they could cut it in the world of politics and simply don't want to stand. Why should they be denied a voice, just because they can't find a candidate to agree with?
If they stand or find a friend (unlikely) to stand then they'd have a voice. Alternatively they can do nothing forever and be forgotten by the system, ha gutted.
Posted by: Creature Void of Form on 4:30pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]jimbo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Paul[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]George[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?[/quote] Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.[/quote] I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters. [/quote] agreed[/quote] Absolute rubbish. Why do you think this idea has never been explored? The whole point of democracy is to allow us, the people, to run our country. Voting for 'nobody' defeats the whole object. Candidates are not monsters from another planet, they are people like US. If you don't like any of the candidates, get off your backside and stand yourself.[/quote] cuckoo, back to reality.
So I should vote for second, third or fourth best because my first choice isn't in my particular area? That is not democracy either.
That results in letting some muppet who shouldn't win, win.
Candidates are not monsters but they are certainly not people like us...how else do you explain the dire straits this country is in?
Voting for votings sake is plain crazy. As Paul said, choosing to abstain shows that we the people, are not happy with the options and it may encourage change.
The current system misleads the powers that be to thinking we are just lazy when in fact it is the case that we don't like the options (not everybody obviously).
Your last suggestion is silly and implies that to cast a vote I have to have enough knowledge and ability to do the job myself...which I don't.
jimbo wrote:
Creature Void of Form wrote: Paul wrote: George wrote: Creature Void of Form wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?
Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.
I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters.
agreed
Absolute rubbish. Why do you think this idea has never been explored? The whole point of democracy is to allow us, the people, to run our country. Voting for 'nobody' defeats the whole object. Candidates are not monsters from another planet, they are people like US. If you don't like any of the candidates, get off your backside and stand yourself.
cuckoo, back to reality.
So I should vote for second, third or fourth best because my first choice isn't in my particular area? That is not democracy either.
That results in letting some muppet who shouldn't win, win.
Candidates are not monsters but they are certainly not people like us...how else do you explain the dire straits this country is in?
Voting for votings sake is plain crazy. As Paul said, choosing to abstain shows that we the people, are not happy with the options and it may encourage change.
The current system misleads the powers that be to thinking we are just lazy when in fact it is the case that we don't like the options (not everybody obviously).
Your last suggestion is silly and implies that to cast a vote I have to have enough knowledge and ability to do the job myself...which I don't.
Posted by: Tutt on 4:34pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]jimbo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Paul[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]George[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Creature Void of Form[/bold] wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?[/quote] Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.[/quote] I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters. [/quote] agreed[/quote] Absolute rubbish. Why do you think this idea has never been explored? The whole point of democracy is to allow us, the people, to run our country. Voting for 'nobody' defeats the whole object. Candidates are not monsters from another planet, they are people like US. If you don't like any of the candidates, get off your backside and stand yourself.[/quote] your dismisal of our views isn't very democratic is it?
Think about it, there have been 3 similar opinions on this subject just on this site, multiply that up to a National scale and you will find that maybe it isn't a bad idea.
jimbo wrote:
Creature Void of Form wrote: Paul wrote: George wrote: Creature Void of Form wrote: last time I went to vote in my area there was only a choice between labour and lib dem. Don't want to vote for any of them as practically the same thing anyway. Have they ever considered that people aren't voting because they don't want any of the options in control, not that they can't be bothered?
Well that's a reason for introducing an "Abstain" option on voting cards, but the level of apathy towards politics in general suggests that the main reason for low turnout is people not caring/understanding . I'm glad the Echo has listed all the candidates though so I can see who's in my area though.
I'd like an "abstain" or "none of the above" option on voting cards, where we could show that we want to vote but no one party represents our views. Maybe then the parties would actively campaign harder, and when elected work harder for us voters.
agreed
Absolute rubbish. Why do you think this idea has never been explored? The whole point of democracy is to allow us, the people, to run our country. Voting for 'nobody' defeats the whole object. Candidates are not monsters from another planet, they are people like US. If you don't like any of the candidates, get off your backside and stand yourself.
your dismisal of our views isn't very democratic is it?
Think about it, there have been 3 similar opinions on this subject just on this site, multiply that up to a National scale and you will find that maybe it isn't a bad idea.
Posted by: jimbo, Southampton on 4:51pm Wed 30 Apr 08
No method of voting, and no method of democracy is perfect - fact. And if you lack the knowledge and ability to do the job yourself, do yo have the knowledge and ability to choose someone who can? Questions questions!
No method of voting, and no method of democracy is perfect - fact. And if you lack the knowledge and ability to do the job yourself, do yo have the knowledge and ability to choose someone who can? Questions questions!
Posted by: Creature Void of Form on 4:55pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]jimbo[/bold] wrote:
No method of voting, and no method of democracy is perfect - fact. And if you lack the knowledge and ability to do the job yourself, do yo have the knowledge and ability to choose someone who can? Questions questions![/quote] indeed
jimbo wrote:
No method of voting, and no method of democracy is perfect - fact. And if you lack the knowledge and ability to do the job yourself, do yo have the knowledge and ability to choose someone who can? Questions questions!
indeed
Posted by: Tabatha, St Denys on Sea on 4:56pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Democracy relies on apathy - imagine everyone eligible turned up for a public meeting, you couldn't fit them all in the hall.
Democracy relies on apathy - imagine everyone eligible turned up for a public meeting, you couldn't fit them all in the hall.
Posted by: PJ on 6:41pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Iwont be voting for Lib Dem or Labour as they can't be trusted joining forces just to gang up against the concervatives.
If i vote for LibDems i exspect them to be in power on their own .
not joining forces with Lab or anyone else.
So i'll vote concervative this time whocan be trusted to serve the town on their own
Iwont be voting for Lib Dem or Labour as they can't be trusted joining forces just to gang up against the concervatives.
If i vote for LibDems i exspect them to be in power on their own .
not joining forces with Lab or anyone else.
So i'll vote concervative this time whocan be trusted to serve the town on their own
Posted by: L, Southampton on 7:33pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]PJ[/bold] wrote:
Iwont be voting for Lib Dem or Labour as they can\'t be trusted joining forces just to gang up against the concervatives. If i vote for LibDems i exspect them to be in power on their own . not joining forces with Lab or anyone else. So i\'ll vote concervative this time whocan be trusted to serve the town on their own[/quote] Good thinking me too
PJ wrote:
Iwont be voting for Lib Dem or Labour as they can\'t be trusted joining forces just to gang up against the concervatives. If i vote for LibDems i exspect them to be in power on their own . not joining forces with Lab or anyone else. So i\'ll vote concervative this time whocan be trusted to serve the town on their own
Good thinking me too
Posted by: no no no yes, Dibley on 7:34pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Councillors may not be monsters (well some are....) but they're not necessarily normal either. Most people go into politics do so because they want to change something. Often, especially at a local level, that's something personal. Never be fooled into thinking that they have your best interests at heart. It's normally me-first. Abstaining or spoiling as a protest is a valid voting choice but if everyone did it bar one, then with the first past the post system, Billy One Mate would still win the seat. Democracy stinks sometimes.
Councillors may not be monsters (well some are....) but they're not necessarily normal either. Most people go into politics do so because they want to change something. Often, especially at a local level, that's something personal. Never be fooled into thinking that they have your best interests at heart. It's normally me-first. Abstaining or spoiling as a protest is a valid voting choice but if everyone did it bar one, then with the first past the post system, Billy One Mate would still win the seat. Democracy stinks sometimes.
Posted by: no no no yes, Dibley on 7:38pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Tabatha[/bold] wrote:
Democracy relies on apathy - imagine everyone eligible turned up for a public meeting, you couldn't fit them all in the hall.[/quote] I absolutely agree. How else would some of the scheming self centred allowance-munching waste of spaces get where they are today?
Tabatha wrote:
Democracy relies on apathy - imagine everyone eligible turned up for a public meeting, you couldn't fit them all in the hall.
I absolutely agree. How else would some of the scheming self centred allowance-munching waste of spaces get where they are today?
Posted by: Get it right, Hythe on 9:48pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]PJ[/bold] wrote:
Iwont be voting for Lib Dem or Labour as they can't be trusted joining forces just to gang up against the concervatives. If i vote for LibDems i exspect them to be in power on their own . not joining forces with Lab or anyone else. So i'll vote concervative this time whocan be trusted to serve the town on their own[/quote] If someone started a Correct Spelling Party, they'd get my vote.
PJ wrote:
Iwont be voting for Lib Dem or Labour as they can't be trusted joining forces just to gang up against the concervatives. If i vote for LibDems i exspect them to be in power on their own . not joining forces with Lab or anyone else. So i'll vote concervative this time whocan be trusted to serve the town on their own
If someone started a Correct Spelling Party, they'd get my vote.
Posted by: Carol, Southampton on 12:48am Thu 1 May 08
I totaly agree with Paul.I am unable to cast a responsible vote tomorrow due to lack of information from the cadadites/parties standing.Even trawling the internet has acheived a frustrating zero.Do our local candidates actually want us to vote for them in the Local Elections?If so they need to give us details of their proposals to enable us to make informed decisions.Slagging off the opposition is a highly unsatisfactory way of canvassing votes.It is disturbing to think people may cast their votes based on political bickering rather than clear,positive,inspi
rational proposals towards the sustainability,stabi
lity,harmoney & enhancement of Our City.
I totaly agree with Paul.I am unable to cast a responsible vote tomorrow due to lack of information from the cadadites/parties standing.Even trawling the internet has acheived a frustrating zero.Do our local candidates actually want us to vote for them in the Local Elections?If so they need to give us details of their proposals to enable us to make informed decisions.Slagging off the opposition is a highly unsatisfactory way of canvassing votes.It is disturbing to think people may cast their votes based on political bickering rather than clear,positive,inspi
rational proposals towards the sustainability,stabi
lity,harmoney & enhancement of Our City.
Posted by: james, Southampton on 9:19am Thu 1 May 08
[quote][bold]Carol[/bold] wrote:
I totaly agree with Paul.I am unable to cast a responsible vote tomorrow due to lack of information from the cadadites/parties standing.Even trawling the internet has acheived a frustrating zero.Do our local candidates actually want us to vote for them in the Local Elections?If so they need to give us details of their proposals to enable us to make informed decisions.Slagging off the opposition is a highly unsatisfactory way of canvassing votes.It is disturbing to think people may cast their votes based on political bickering rather than clear,positive,inspi rational proposals towards the sustainability,stabi lity,harmoney & enhancement of Our City.[/quote] Some people want everything on a plate don't they
Carol wrote:
I totaly agree with Paul.I am unable to cast a responsible vote tomorrow due to lack of information from the cadadites/parties standing.Even trawling the internet has acheived a frustrating zero.Do our local candidates actually want us to vote for them in the Local Elections?If so they need to give us details of their proposals to enable us to make informed decisions.Slagging off the opposition is a highly unsatisfactory way of canvassing votes.It is disturbing to think people may cast their votes based on political bickering rather than clear,positive,inspi rational proposals towards the sustainability,stabi lity,harmoney & enhancement of Our City.
Some people want everything on a plate don't they
Posted by: BIG BOY on 10:43am Thu 1 May 08
Where i live in mansbridg all i've had delivered through my door is letters from my local LibDem slagging of the conservatives.Which they had to retract.they just say so many lies about others for their own gain
She is a total joke saying that she is the champion? at what EATING.
My main concern is the travellers site in stoneham way.I am so against this that my vote will go to the consevatives who are totaly against this site.
They will represent the local people on their own policies and not join forces togeather LIB/LAB FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL GAINS.
Where i live in mansbridg all i've had delivered through my door is letters from my local LibDem slagging of the conservatives.Which they had to retract.they just say so many lies about others for their own gain
She is a total joke saying that she is the champion? at what EATING.
My main concern is the travellers site in stoneham way.I am so against this that my vote will go to the consevatives who are totaly against this site.
They will represent the local people on their own policies and not join forces togeather LIB/LAB FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL GAINS.
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