Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 11897849)

As I'm replying to several posts I won't quote

Not voting in a democracy is ridiculous, pathetic and counter productive. Vested interests, lobby groups etc set the agenda and get their way when the electorate is apathetic and politicians become less accountable. If you don't vote, you can't complain when decisions are made on your behalf that you disagree with. I'm no fan of Obama but what he says about this is spot on - the NRA, for example, have so much influence because few people vote, yet so many of those who don't vote are against their current firearm setup. Bizarre

Nobody can have no political ideas or beliefs. It's impossible

Our grandfathers fought, bled and died to give us this right. I know for much of the modern western world this means little (as seen on BE), but it does to me

Compulsory voting is immaterial and a non-excuse

Originally Posted by cresta57 (Post 11898108)

I pre poll voted on Wednesday so I could have the weekend off with my O/H. In my electorate we had a card for Mayor and a card for our divisional candidate then a separate paper to chose yay or nay for 4 yr fixed terms.
I hadn't made my mind up about the mayor until I saw the bloke I may have voted for roar away from the polling station with a "F*%k off we're full" sticker on his bumper next to his very naff personal plate and his chromed truck nuts.
Fixed term elections seem to be the way to go, no going early because you won a war etc.

Originally Posted by moneypenny20 (Post 11898127)

I rarely agree with you politically but in this respect I do. I also object to people who decide not to vote but still consider it fine to bitch about whoever ends up in power.

Also we have a referendum regarding changing the term from three years floating to four years fixed.

Originally Posted by Pollyana (Post 11897660)

Watched some Comic Strip dvds last night......dear old Vim Fuego....:lol::sneaky:

And I sealed up my ballot papers. I don't want to get fined, so I will return them, with written additions :sneaky: as I really do think compulsory voting is not right in a democratic country.