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[rosie_riviter]

I have a beef with people and the concept of "strategic voting". I understand the 'lesser of two evils' mentality, but here's the thing. It fucks up the democratic process. If you believe the NDP would do the best job, but vote Liberal to keep out the EEEVIL Conservatives, then you're denying your support to the party you actually support. Now

Comments

[_jibberish_]

People bitch about their voice not being heard, but if they're not voting for the voice that best represents their opinion, then it's kind of a moot point.I agree but I also think that the way that our government works right now has forced most voters to vote strategically. We vote for parties, not for people. And the people we elect have to tow the party line or lose their job. If the opinion of the people they represent goes against the party, too bad for the voters. At least that's how it seems most of the time. I would love to vote for the candidate or the party that I think will do the best job but I also worry that my vote won't do a lot of good if I do. We also have a lot of left-leaning parties and only one right-leaning one. Those of us on the left side of things, I think, worry about splitting up the vote and leaving a space for the right-leaning party to get in. We need to think about "strategy" to try to vote against what we don't want

[rosie_riviter]

You're right. There are definately pros and cons to the Parlimentary system. There are some days when the American's two party "vote for the President" system definately seems appealing for that reason. That way, if you don't like Stephen Harper, you can vote for the other guy. Of course, it doesn't allow more than two parties, but maybe a Canadian version could.
Keep in mind, though, that each vote gives funding to said party-- so voting Liberal when you'd prefer to vote otherwise also denies your choice party future campaign funding.
I'd like to see an overhaul of the entire system, actually. I'd like to see an amendment that says a party that runs for federal election must have people running for election in three or more provinces as well, so certain parties *coughBQcough* must have at least the appearance of national support for their policies, and not just a blatant self-serving agenda.
But that's another rant altogether. ;)
Yay for voting!