Genesis

Almost everyone seems to think most politicians are useless. They don't follow thru' on election promises (won't put GST up), make life way harder for those who already struggle (GST on fruit/veg) and then they often cheat on us with elaborate (housing allowance when its your own home) and not so elaborate expenses (us paying for dirty movies) scams. What if lots and lots and lots of people (like me) decided we were not going to vote because of our general distain about your average politician? Would it not send out a message to them within the beehive that we are sick of their antics?? I reckon that abstaining is a responsible way of possibly improving the future behaviour of them....if enough of us do it..or don't do it.

Charismatic

In no rational way can I see how abstaining from voting would promote a better government. It’s like saying “my car keeps needing to be serviced and that annoys me, next time I’m going to leave it and see what happens”. Sitting on your hands just won’t work, in many countries less than half of the population have voted at times but it’s not made a blind bit of difference.

I’ve outlined previously why I think we should give the little guys a chance; it’s the big parties that are complacent and I think voters have to saddle some responsibility as well for neglecting their civil duties.

Genesis

That is not a good comparison to my argument. We all know what will happen to the car. If we did not vote en masse I reckon we could see a huge change in attitude.

Charismatic

I fail to see why.

luvwelly

I agree with Charismatic - wow!

Gill and Rob

You've lost me with your logic

Gill

chocolate cake

Sorry I agree too. It will be barely noticed if there's a low turn out.

Jan n Neil

I'm voting. I am not a citizen but I live here and am proud to have PR. I also am very aware, as a female, what previous generations went through to get me the vote ( in the UK) and how many females still do not have that opportunity, in some/many arab countries.

George Dubya got through because most of America couldn't be bothered to vote. And look what damage he did.

Jan

Bo-Jangles

Isn't that essentially what happens with the losing party anyway.

They go away, make a huddle, learn by their mistakes, sack the leader and decide how to improve or make themselves more credible or attractive the next time around.

Hasn't ever made them collectively decide to improve their behaviour in the past though, you'll still get the expenses being fiddled, lies, sex scandals, drunken peeing in public places, porno movies paid for at the taxpayers expense, the jeering and the booing, the dirty tricks, dead babies names being stolen, misappropriation of funds for private travel with mistresses and boyfriends, boozy nights out at expensive restaurants, speeding in fast cars and expensive overseas trips.

They set such a fine example; it must ultimately be something to do with the whole power trip that makes them behave like this the world over.

Genesis

More people always seem to vote than less. Nothing ever seems to change. The politicians just seem to get worse. If less and less people voted (thereby sending out a message they were not interested in what was on offer) makes me think it would be possible that we might get better elected officials in the future. What would we have to lose? George W Bush will never make it as a PM in NZ... way too little following (in the Manawatu anyways).

Genesis

More people always seem to vote than less. Nothing ever seems to change. The politicians just seem to get worse. If less and less people voted (thereby sending out a message they were not interested in what was on offer) makes me think it would be possible that we might get better elected officials in the future. What would we have to lose? George W Bush will never make it as a PM in NZ... way too little following (in the Manawatu anyways).

whitesand

I think you would agree with Billy Connolly's comment that voting only encourages them. Personally, I can't stand all those small parties. Most are nonenties that work the system so that they have a much greater say than these deserve. If they are so popular let them get the numbers.

whitesand

nonentities

luvwelly

What not voting en masse will get one day is a DICTATORSHIP and no right to vote whatsoever...also I agree with Jan. Women should not throw away their political rights lightly - many women in the world still do not have basic rights in non-democracies.
Traced my family tree recently - as little as 2 generations back cotton mill workers with no vote and precious little education.

This Election (even though National will win) is an opportunity to throw out ACT and United Future as although I am very pro MMP, I think all systems work better when there are not too many splinter parties holding the balance of power. Voters choose to elect the splinter parties.

Genesis

No it won't. Enough people will ALWAYS vote to ensure that never happens. My point was that if suddendly the % of those voting sunk hugely it could (not would) send a message to our elected officials.