Wasting My Vote for Fun and Profit
Ah, election day. While others were out voting for the lesser of two evils, I was contemplating either not voting at all (something I’ve not done in a while) or using my vote to mock the entire process. I opted for the latter, as I’d hinted that I’d do so and …being honest here… I thought it would make a pretty decent entry on an otherwise boring day.
So… what did I do? Simple enough. I used my ballot as one might use a gas station wall. With my finger (I’d love to pretend it was my middle finger, but alas) I filled in Nathan Explosion, Charles Ofdenson, myself, J, Nottingham (for Sheriff), and commented on the race itself by filling in “these guys are all dildos.”
Immature? Yeah, maybe. But it was amusing and pretty much sums up my contempt for the entire process. You know what the best part is, though? No matter who the rest of my local contacts voted for, they accomplished exactly as much as I did.
Fuck all.
At least I didn’t have to swallow my pride and my principles to click the pretty touchscreen. I call that a win.
November 4th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Does that count as a valid vote there? It doesn't here (they're labelled i"informal" votes). And what's up with having elections on a weekday? Whose crazy idea was that?
November 4th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Nah, they'll toss it out because it is obviously mocking the process. On the other hand, I wanted to ensure that my vote did not sway the election to someone I disliked, (and I disliked 'em all) so that was the safest way to stay on the voting roster without compromising values.
Is voting mandatory over that way? We have the option of not caring.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Oh! And all of our elections are on weekdays. They get to close schools and businesses let employees out to vote. Most people don't bother though.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Registering to vote and then voting in local, state and federal elections is compulsory here. I forgot to vote in our local shire's elections a few months back and got busted $50 for my trouble. I wasn't really aware they were even on. Our election days are on a Saturday.