Does "your" vote matter?

[oldE]

And if you really don't like your choices, get involved in the selection process.

Best
Les

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by KC911

Does "your" state's vote matter?

I'm talking about presidential elections only.

If this gets moved .... I understand why .... sorry 'hawk

I've always voted, but it didn't matter ... nor my state either... not once! I've given this a WHOLE lot of thought ... or just half a thought ... mebbe even less

In California for 2020, the totals were Biden 11,110,250 Trump 6,006,429. It wouldn't have mattered if Biden got 11,110,249 votes instead, but there's a principle and I like participating.

I think the question is flawed, though. There are a lot of other votes to be made at the same time for other races and initiatives, and they might be more closely contested.

[cockerpunk]

all politics are local politics.

so yes, always.

and any notion that you shouldn't vote because you don't like the government, or the world is in terrible shape, or you dont like your choices, or that it doesn't effect you much so who cares ... it effects the women you are married to, the children you raise or know, and the very people doing the bad things ... they are voting. so you need to.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Superman

Vote. It matters.

But my vote, nor my state's EC votes EVER have ... so how does it really matter?

I vote .... I get it as to why ya do .... but I don't fool myself either

It just doesn't .... but I will

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

In California for 2020, the totals were Biden 11,110,250 Trump 6,006,429. It wouldn't have mattered if Biden got 11,110,249 votes instead, but there's a principle and I like participating.

I think the question is flawed, though. There are a lot of other votes to be made at the same time for other races and initiatives, and they might be more closely contested.

I've never seen an election decided by a single vote... at any level.

So I stand by my flawed thread title .

I encourage everyone to vote.... and I do!

Doesn't matter

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by KC911

I've never seen an election decided by a single vote... at any level.

So I stand by my flawed thread title .

I encourage everyone to vote.... and I do!

Doesn't matter

Do you think an election might go the other way if a lot more people who didn't vote did? Do you think a recount might/might not take place that wouldn't have otherwise?

I think if one votes, they're more likely to study the choices and be more informed citizens. Maybe citizens that can recognize disinformation. Maybe citizens that will discuss and influence others in their lives. Or sign a petition, write a letter to a politician, or make a contribution.

[The Synergizer]

Don't know how old you are but think "Hanging Chad" in Florida circa 2000...

After an intense recount process and the United States Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore, Bush won Florida's electoral votes by a margin of only 537 votes out of almost six million cast (0.009%) and, as a result, became the president-elect.

Originally Posted by KC911

I've never seen an election decided by a single vote... at any level.

So I stand by my flawed thread title .

I encourage everyone to vote.... and I do!

Doesn't matter

[KFC911]

LOL ... I'd been voting a couple of decades before Chad. Thank you for the confirmation that my Fl. friends' votes didn't matter in that election either!

I don't have many left

[Flat Six]

Many years ago I dated a woman from a semi-large family -- 14 adults for dinner at the folks' house every Sunday. Before every election after Sunday dinner they'd get together and discuss candidates and ballot measures, with everyone getting a say and debating pros & cons. Then they'd decide how to vote -- as a bloc -- on every issue/office. Their premise was they didn't want any one person's vote to cancel out another's. One of the coolest civic-minded traditions I've ever seen.

[cockerpunk]

Originally Posted by Flat Six

Many years ago I dated a woman from a semi-large family -- 14 adults for dinner at the folks' house every Sunday. Before every election after Sunday dinner they'd get together and discuss candidates and ballot measures, with everyone getting a say and debating pros & cons. Then they'd decide how to vote -- as a bloc -- on every issue/office. Their premise was they didn't want any one person's vote to cancel out another's. One of the coolest civic-minded traditions I've ever seen.

this is a terrible idea and not civic minded in the least, and I'm glad we live in a country with a private ballot.

ie, this is just a way for parents to push their children to voting the same as them.

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by cockerpunk

this is a terrible idea and not civic minded in the least, and I'm glad we live in a country with a private ballot.

ie, this is just a way for parents to push their children to voting the same as them.

YMMV.

On a side note, you seem -- even by CP standards -- uncharacteristically bitter today . . .

[cockerpunk]

Originally Posted by Flat Six

YMMV.

On a side note, you seem -- even by CP standards -- uncharacteristically bitter today . . .

bitter? no.

just tired of power differentials praised as civic mindedness. like if you dont think there is a power differential between a kid and their parents, esp at 18 ... ho boy. this falls into the category of "no true way to consent" like large age gap relationships etc.

its also weird that parents would try to force this on children. if you raised your kids right ... why would you need to argue with them on who to vote for? also if you actually knew your children, you probably can tell who they are voting for anyway.

like, all round, just a weird passive aggressive concealed power move. yuck.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Flat Six

Many years ago I dated a woman from a semi-large family -- 14 adults for dinner at the folks' house every Sunday. Before every election after Sunday dinner they'd get together and discuss candidates and ballot measures, with everyone getting a say and debating pros & cons. Then they'd decide how to vote -- as a bloc -- on every issue/office. Their premise was they didn't want any one person's vote to cancel out another's. One of the coolest civic-minded traditions I've ever seen.

Did you see the Rusty thread about political opinions?

There would only be 13 adults were I in that family....

My pre-election fast would prohibit me from participating

I am not as cool as them

But interesting "group think" for sure.... thanks for sharing!

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by cockerpunk

bitter? no.

just tired of power differentials praised as civic mindedness. like if you dont think there is a power differential between a kid and their parents, esp at 18 ... ho boy. this falls into the category of "no true way to consent" like large age gap relationships etc.

its also weird that parents would try to force this on children. if you raised your kids right ... why would you need to argue with them on who to vote for? also if you actually knew your children, you probably can tell who they are voting for anyway.

like, all round, just a weird passive aggressive concealed power move. yuck.

Assume much? These were all adults, youngest in their late 20s. If you'd been there as I was youd've experienced some pretty heated discussions, definitely not top-down or one way. But you do you.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by KC911

Does "your" state's vote matter?

I'm talking about presidential elections only.

If this gets moved .... I understand why .... sorry 'hawk

I've always voted, but it didn't matter ... nor my state either... not once! I've given this a WHOLE lot of thought ... or just half a thought ... mebbe even less

Where I live it does not matter, in terms of presidential election results (not talking about some philosophical, it matters, as mention in many of the responses), as even if Jesus Christ was running blue he would not win to OMB or any other Repub.

That said, it's a tough sell, to me, that there is much matter to voting for Prez since 99% of the time both/all candidates are some form of blithering, clueless dumbass, falsehood telling scam artist, bribe/kickback-taking criminal, narcissistic degenerate, and/or all around lump of ambulatory excrement.

[LWJ]

nope

[Superman]

Dale that's a great story and IMHO, with all due respect to contrary opinions, totally civic-minded. Those kinds if discussions are ALWAYS illuminating. In them, you hear things that make you go 'hmmm....' Perspectives you were not yet seeing. Facts you didn't know.

Also, I've come to very much appreciate consensus decision-making. Seen it many times. The process is not finished until everyone says they can live with the outcome even if they don't love it. This would be good for the country but not possible. Possible in families though.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Rawknees'Turbo

...

That said, it's a tough sell, to me, that there is much matter to voting for Prez since 99% of the time both/all candidates are some form of blithering, clueless dumbass, falsehood telling scam artist, bribe/kickback-taking criminal, narcissistic degenerate, and/or all around lump of ambulatory excrement.

LOL ...I've been so thoroughly disgusted by the one's I did vote for after they won and were in office that I just don't care anymore....

I am one proud DRINO

[70SATMan]

Originally Posted by Tobra

No, I live in California for now

If you lived in an all red state, would your vote matter more or less than it does now?

[70SATMan]

Originally Posted by Flat Six

Many years ago I dated a woman from a semi-large family -- 14 adults for dinner at the folks' house every Sunday. Before every election after Sunday dinner they'd get together and discuss candidates and ballot measures, with everyone getting a say and debating pros & cons. Then they'd decide how to vote -- as a bloc -- on every issue/office. Their premise was they didn't want any one person's vote to cancel out another's. One of the coolest civic-minded traditions I've ever seen.

So,,, as a collective??

Sounds like a similar concept that I don’t endorse.

Can’t say I’m a fan of that at all. My mother’s vote is no business of mine and vice versa. My mother believes in the sanctity of voter privacy. So much so that she doesn’t share even with my Pops.

As it should be for those that wish to exercise that hard earned right.