I've already had several people tell me I "wasted" my vote because I voted for Ralph Nader.
Me and 646,994 other people.
Why do people think that I "wasted" my vote just because I didn't vote for either of the two mainstream candidates? It wasn't "wasted" to me; I used it to say who I thought should be President; is that a waste? confused
By their logic, I guess I shouldn't have an opinion that is different from the mainstream; I'd only be wasting my opinion. doh
COME ON PEOPLE!!!
If you vote, your vote is never wasted. The only time a vote can be "wasted" is if you don't Exercise your right to vote.
What say you?
[question posted by myklj999]responses and comments:
You absolutely did not waste your vote! What is wrong with people, it's a democracy and your vote counts. Makes me mad when people do that. I was told I should have voted Hillary in the primaries because obama was African-American so could not win in this country. Har. No vote is wasted. [MoonlightSerenade]
I don't see it that way at all, myklj999. Over the years, I hear people say in defense of their vote, "I chose the lesser of two evils." Well, that's not good enough for me. I choose to serve no evil. What can be wrong with voting what you believe instead of choosing a lesser vote? [Transdisc]
The media has persuaded people to vote the way the media sees fit. I urge everyone to do their own research on each candidate every time there is an election. The media will always be biased to the left, they have been for decades, in days long ago, you could turn on the news or read a paper without getting the media's idea of the 'right' candidate. Once upon a time there was 'truth in reporting'. Unfortunately that no longer holds true. When Obama started his campaign, the media turned him into a slick and polished shining light, the majority of the country was mesmerized by him, you half expected sunlight to shine from his butt. I did my own research and found he was not a candidate I could or would support. Unfortunately, the country still has stars in their eyes for him, I can only pray he doesn't disappoint. [luanndawkins]
people are people and they say whatever they feel !! i am with you and you should stand by what you did!! well they say that your vote was not with the winner , then all the votes polled b mr Mccain were also wasted!! can we say that ? never!! [juhi06]
You live in a democracy, there is no such thing as a wasted vote. Maybe it should be called a protest vote (that's what me call it here in Canada). And yes i agree the only wasted vote (and danger to democracy) is taking for granted your right to vote and waste it by not using it. [fanfreluche]
If you believe that you voted for the best candidate, you did not waste your vote. Anytime we exercise our rights and our freedoms, it is not a waste. [newtondak]
I agree with you 100%. Your vote was not wasted. Good for you for being different. Maybe he'll get it next time. If it didn't mean anything to vote for him he wouldn't have been in the running. [camomom]
If you voted for the candidate you believed in, you certainly did not waste your vote. That's the Beauty of a free country. We're allowed to have opposing views and opinions and we should respect that about one another. I don't think any vote is wasted...although I don't care for the people who just vote like their parents do because they don't take the time to actually learn about the issues and candidates for themselves! [stylioJ]
You are absolutely right Mike. Point well said. [BCMike]
I don't believe in wasted votes. It's a legacy of those who think of elections as a game to be won, with strategies that ensure winning. Your vote is your voice - you should vote for whomever you believe in the most. [chameleonsdream]
A vote is never wasted although some are better than others. Best vote I ever made was voting this woman for mayor. Mainly because she would no longer be the special Education coordinator. I had a hidden agenda. lol [irishidid]
I say, as you did, the only "wasted" votes are the ones not cast. So long as you voted, your vote counts. Only when people who are able to vote choose not to are their votes wasted. [MSV1313]
I agree with you wasting is not using your vote. That is the great thing about our voting system you do not have to go with the mainstream it is YOUR choice who gets your vote. [whiteheather39]
There is no such thing as a wasted vote the only way a vote can be wasted is if its not cast at all minus please [zukepr]
Your vote was not wasted myklj, I think that people have a tendencies to look down on third party. Here in Jamaica they would have tell you that you wasted your vote if you vote for the NDM. I think that a good third party needed in your country as well as mine. Your vote was not wasted your vote will encourage this third party to look at what was done. They will be asking questions to how to be more recognized and to work on the weak points. I would never say that it was a wasted vote. Just continue to encourage who you vote for so that next time he and his member can be more stronger. [kerriannc]
To criticize a person for making a personal decision that falls outside of the norm is BS. Maybe these people have a new definition for the term "democratic process"? Every individual has the right to vote in any manner they see fit and as long as they have made an educated decision then what's the issue? Anyone that does NOT vote in their countries election has no right to ever criticize or complain about their lot in life as far as I am concerned. [James72]
Agree completely. And btw we need more viable third parties in this country, so keep on 'wasting' your vote!!! [dawnald]
Hi myklj999, In my opinon you have not wasted your votes, you still voted, didn't you? don't matter who won but lets hope this President will do wonders for the country. Tamara [tamarafireheart]
I agree that the only "wasted" vote is the one not cast. We live in a democratic republic in which we can cast our vote for our preferred candidate. Just because your preference was not one of the major party candidates, it still counted nonetheless. You particicpated and that is what counts! [celticrogue]
No, you didn't waste your vote. You made a statement with your vote about your political opinion as to who you thought would do the best job. People who wasted their vote were maybe those who liked one of the other candidates but voted for one Obama or McCain in order to keep the less desired one of the two out of office. If more people would act like you a more profound statement would have been made about what Americans really thought. No vote is really voted. What's important is that you voted! [jonesy123]
You didn't waste your vote, who cares what anybody says. You voted, that's not wasting your vote. [gitfiddleplayer]
You said it all. And very well too. No vote is ever wasted. [pajamamama]
happyHi myk, I'm going to have to agree with you on this one. In a lot of ways this is the right thing to do. All the people who vote for the lesser of say two evils or just don't want either in office may be the ones wasting their votes. But as you said, not vote is waisted unless you don't exercise your right to vote!leenie [leenie50]
I agree. If you voted, you did your part. I stood in line for 3 and a half hours to get my vote stuck in an inactive envelope and then come Home to McCains concession speech. So If I didn't vote for Obama, some would say that I wasted my vote as well. However, I used the voice that was given to me by the 19th Amendment. I opted to show my daughter that she has rights and should use them. You will never know what would have happened if you didn't...why wonder. Just Do It!!! [deeesfamilyvalues]
I must admit I've been thinking along the lines of the people who think a vote can be wasted. I'm in the UK and haven't voted for years but I probably should've voted for the Green party to at least show my support even though they won't get in. I decided earlier today that I am going to vote for them the next time I get a chance and I might be surprised and find that many more people do too because more of us are caring about the environment now. [aslanlight]
Hi myklj! Everyone does have the right to vote for the person or party that they choose. You were just exercising that right to do so as you did vote for a third party. As far as I'm concerned, that is your business. But to me if the election had been an extremely close one and those votes that went to Mr. Nader were necessary to decide which candidate was to win the election then what would have happened? [Opal26]
That wouldn't concern me, because I would not have voted if those were the only two choices available. [myklj999]
Sadly the Green party will never make it but is unusual since people are aware of going green, you'd think they'd go for this too! [Rosekitty]
It's only a waste if you don't vote. Lets hope one day America wakes up and realizes that we can and should have more than 2 major parties. [PrarieStyle]
You exercised your right to vote. Over the years so many people haven't done so. I have a friend that at 53 he voted for the 1st time ever. I agree with you. The only wated vote is the one not cast! [ersmommy1]
..."wasting your opinion".. now there's a thought! I was wondering if we couldn't do a silent conspiracy and get the majority of Americans to vote for an alternate candidate! Of course, we probably wouldn't agree on which alternate candidate to support! But wouldn't it be a hoot to actually unseat the two major powerhouses! (Who seem to only divide the country making the gulf between the philosophies ever wider..) [flowerchilde]
Well, I don't think you vote was wasted. I think voting your conscience is admirable. I think that your voice was heard louder than someone who voted for a mainstream candidate...because you know where yours counted. [kdhartford]
If you voted for a third party, sadly, yes, your vote was wasted, third party candidates hardly ever win. They may have in early American history, but not anymore. [rogue13xmen13]
hello myklj999, No, you never wasted your vote. What's important was that you voted for the person whom you think is the best to lead for your coutry and that matters most. Don't mind them. T'was wasted if you did not exercise your vote. Maybe it's not yet time for your candidate to win. There's always a second chance anyway. [robert19ph]
You exercised your vote so I really don't think you've wasted it at all. Once exercised it is not wasted because you voted for the person you think was right for the position and that's it. You just don't need to be affected by other people's judgement about you. [rsa101]
Yes you are absolutely correct. The only time a vote is wasted is when someone does not vote. However, there are some idiots who feel that voting for anyone but the winner is a wasted vote and they are totally wrong. The more people vote for Nader the stronger the message is that people are fed up with the 2 major parties and that is most definitely NOT wasted. It is an important message that I hope the other parties take seriously. [sharra1]
myklj999 your vote was most definitely not wasted! ewww who cares what others say or think. you are definitely entitled to your own opionions and if you think that nader would make a better president thatn mccain or obama then thats coooool...and the funny thing is that he probably would have been a better president than the other two candidates! i'm proud of you for voting! and i'm very said that i didnt get a chance to vote because i missed registration..:( [smiraki1]
I dont think you wasted your vote. some people just dont close their lips and respect other people's decisions. [katrhina23]
That is what's so good about our country we have a right to decide who we think is the best individual to lead us and you did not waste your vote. You performed your duty as a citizen and as a human being. I can't afford single health insurance, let alone premiums for a family of 6. That's what makes this country as great as it is and it will get better. [Residual]
I think your vote proves to have a point more than that vote for Obama. He who uses his color to appeal to everyone. He who uses his charm, his being copycat, and most of all, he uses his so-called charisma to win the election. An Obama vote, which i consider, is a waste vote. I would rather see Nader in the White House than a fake Black, who is educated in a white education, raised in a white community and is more of a White than a black. If it is not for his father, Obama could be just another someone else. I pity the black for they try to identify with this man who is not even a black. I pity those who voted him for they are very optimistic with this man. Only to find out that he has lots of lobbyists around him Most of all, I pity the United States for you will be getting another lame duck president in the person of a black who is not unlike W. Who has a littered pass. Good luck and may he completes his 1 term without any difficulty. [finescribe]
you are not answerable to others.just follow your heart. [riyasam]
I definitely disagree with what the people around you said that you WASTED your vote. You are right, that the only time a vote can be called "wasted" is when you don't exercise your right to vote. You just voted and put in your vote to what you think is right for the rest of the people. Don't just bother them. Thinking about what other people will say about you will just make things harder. What you think is right and will make you happy is more important than those WASTED COMMENTS of those people. HAHAHA happy [mskzalameda]
Did I waste my vote because I voted Republican in a state that everyone knew was going democrat? Did the majority of voters wast their votes in the 2000 election? After all Al Gore won the majority of the popular votes. I think because voting is a constitutional right and we are free to vote for whom ever we choose votes should not be considered as wasted when cast for a loosing candidate. By voting you exercising your rights and doing your civic duty and helping tp preerve our democracy. This is not somthing to take lighly, many people have given their lives to preserve our democracy. [drewnel]
I don't understand why that would be a wasted vote. A Vote is when you go out and chose( make your choice ) about who you want in what office, and what policies you want voted in ect. So, you went out and picked , voted, for the person YOU wanted to be prsident. Even if you were the only one who voted for him, you still would have excercised you right to vote and that is all American!! Good for you for getting out there and voting!!! [freefogging]
I once voted Natural Law Party, and was told by a co worker that I "wasted my vote". And yes, I was offended. I was hurt. Up until that moment I had felt proud of my participation in the democratic process. I voted my conscience and that is never a waste of time. [sndcain36]
Perhaps not a "waste", but I can see how if you were in a swing state and you voted for a third party candidate, you were using your vote inefficiently for the whole of the country. There are many levels to look at how your vote is counted. Its your district, your county, then your state on a larger level. If your state had a close tie for one of the two main candidates, in a close race like this, I can understand how someone would view your vote for Nader as "ineffective toward the primary race". That being said, I had to question at the last moment, knowing that my state of Maryland would go Blue for Obama either way, no matter how I voted, if I should write in who I wish had remained a candidate in the Democratic Party. I don't mean Hillary, I mean Dennis Kucinich. It may have been the only write-in vote for Kucinich in the state of Maryland, but it would not have affected the overall electoral votes for Obama. [aradia77]
A vote is a vote. No one should be the one to decide about who you are going to vote for. At least you exercised your right to choose. [heero1103]
I totally agree with you there is no way your vote was wasted. Now if I wrote in that Jesus should be president then that would have been a wasted vote because really that wouldn't be helping. [Jezebella]
You did not waste your vote. You voted your opinion and that's important. My hubby told me that I was wasting my vote because his vote cancelled out mine. I told him that my vote cancelled out his so why is he bothering to vote? It's all silly, really. Vote the way you think is right for your values and for the direction you think the country ought to go, regardless of what anyone else thinks. If I spent my life conforming to what others thought I should be doing, I wouldn't have gotten nearly as far as I have in life. I vote for me and my family and I live for me and my family. Everyone else should do the same. [marianstallings]
I personally voted for Ralph Nader because I didn't trust what I was hearing for either of the 2 main candidates. After doing some deep research and making my own desicion I felt Nader was the best candidate for myself. How someone votes is up to them and people should really quit telling others they threw there vote away because they didn't its your right to vote for whoever you want to as an American. People need to mind there own business. Now with that said the best way to keep from hearing someone say you threw your vote away is either 1) Don't tell them how you voted(but to me this is repression). 2) Tell them they through there vote away. 3) Just laugh at there ignorances for not being an informed voter(and there are a lot of these out there). 4) Just say thank you and move on your way(because if they don't respect you for your opinion and honesty sometimes there are others better out there to spend your time with). This is just one persons opinion but keep voting your mind and how you feel don't fall into the political crap that most of the main stream wants you to fall into. Keep opened minded and just be yourself. [jyaegel]
please visit my free wallpapers blog www.deskwallz.blogspot.com hope you like all wallpapers there. [rahulkans]
I would appreciate you not posting your links in my discussions when they have no relevance to the topic. This is against myLot rules, and I have reported it. [myklj999]
Hi Myklj999, Your vote or anyone elses is not wasted...I'll repeat what most of your responders wrote: the only time a vote is wasted is when you don't exercise your right to vote, a right that did not come very easily...especially for women! Don't listen to the nay sayers...you have a full fledged right to vote for whomever you want...and your vote is very, very important as is everyones! Keep on keeping on! ~G~ [gwoman2]
No matter who anyone votes for The vote is not wasted. People who could vote and did not are the ones who wasted a vote. I think that maybe somepeople say that because they dont like who won and if you would have voted for the two bigger people then there candidate could have won or would have had a better chance. However no vote is wasted atleast you spoke up and said who you wanted unlike the people who didnt vote. Thats whay gets me women have a chance to vote no and it was a big deal to get women to vote and now that we cant they sit and choose not to. [rachaelshoe]
you didnt waste your vote, you voted for what you believed in and if you done something just because others were doing it that would have made you a sell out.even if i dont agree who you voted for, i respect that you were true to you beliefs. Well done [sanayab]
your vote was not wasted, you had a belief and you were true to it and that my friend makes you a honest person. even if i dont agree with whom you voted for..........ha .ha. i respect you because you are not a sell out you did nt just follow the masses. [sanayab]
i don't feel your vote was wasted at all. you made a point by voting who you felt was the best candidate, just because it wasn't the democratic or republican candidate should make no difference. clearly, many other felt as you did! i feel like your voice was heard. if you vote then your voice is heard! it makes me sad when people say they're not voting because it doesn't matter. i think having no opinion is lazy and ridiculous and the easy way out! cool topic! [rlrsktskni]
simple; doing something is better than doing nothing [uundar]
In my opinion, the only wasted vote is the vote that was not voted. Those are the ones that are truly the ones to regret, not ones that are voted with true conviction even if the individual is not of the mainstream. [susiejwp]
I think your vote was wasted. My teacher said a minor party will never when election. So therefore I think it was wasted, you might as will didnt vote. [iRepDork]
Who did you vote for? The person your teacher suggested? [myklj999]
You never had a wrong doing on this matter. To vote for the person you believe is the essence of democracy, no mainstream will exert its influence on it. If i were you, i would also follow the call of my heart, but in my country we do not have the situations like yours, totally different. Your political system is the goal we will pursue but there is a long long road ahead. [autumnstar08]
I dont think that you wasted your vote. Its your right to cast your vote to whoever you think is suitable to be the president. Its not like you casted your vote with out thinking wisely... There are people who voted the two mainstream candidates but if you ask them why they voted them... they will answer you back with the weirdest answers you can get. I hope they didnt casted their vote without deeply thinking if the person they are voting for is eligible for the position. That for me is blind voting, or they just voted because of all the media hype. That i think is wasting your vote... [jep_toyo]
I can kinda see where someone who would say that is coming from. We know that the vast majority of the population is going to vote for one of the two mainstream candidates, or at least we can assume that is the case. We can also assume that it will be one of those two candidates that win the election, so by voting for someone else you are voting for someone you know will lose. But does that really make your vote a waste? OF COURSE NOT! This is a democracy and if we all went along with the majority even if our opinion pulled us in another direction what would be the point of voting at all? Why vote for someone you don't want to endorse? We are all free thinking individuals, not lemmings! Its your vote, do with it what you wish! [chck111]
I say you are right to have voted for who you think is right for president, because it shows that you are not being pressured by anyone to do it and that you did it because it is your opinion. [ultimateover]
thats true i mean just because he didn't win doesn't mean you wasted your vote just think about all those people who won because of your vote [ladylacer]
Your vote counted. Don't let folks try and tell you that your vote was wasted. I say the votes that were wasted are the Votes that weren't used at all. [JessicaLD]
I say, your right! Though I have never voted before (Im still a minor) I understand people... (maybe I should take up psychology) You should choose who you vote. Even though there is just a slim chance that your candidate will make it. But if you like him/her and want him/her to lead then thats who you should be with! [rstdnm]
Your vote is not wasted,when you vote, you do it for what you believe in , not for the winner maybe the one you vote, the one with ideas you agree can be the winner but, if different no problem, if you beleive that Ralph Nader can give us the most so, continue voting for him and try to help others to do so. [kanpela]
Well technically the odds of a non mainstream presidential candidate of winning are slim in today's world. I would venture a guess that you didn't expect him to win. Technically your vote is not wasted unless you don't vote at all. But to be honest I can see how some individuals would look at it like a wasted vote. Considering you could of used it on one of the most likely candidates to win. [sportingoutpost]
politics can be touchy and everyone has an opinion. I always look at it like the lesser of 2 evils. When you have a third person in the mix that has minimal chance of winning and you vote for them you may be actually taking a vote from the, lesser of the 2 main evils, essentially giving a vote to the bigger evil. I hope that helps make some sense. [sportingoutpost]
I voted for Baldwin. I'm proud that I voted third party. I don't give a damn whether someone thinks I wasted my vote or not. The people wasting their votes are the ones not getting off their butts to vote. I now have a reason to whine about my government, because I was a part of the process. You didn't waste your vote. You merely opened up the process by voting third party. [mrhanke01]
I can respect your opinion and your vote. I voted for Obama but I do not think you should be put down because of your choice. That is why this is a democratic society, right? [KYEEDAH1]
I agree with you fully... a wasted vote is the one that isn't made. Another form of a wasted vote is an uninformed one. It burns my butt at how many people vote for who they think is going to win, instead of voting for who they think would be best to win for them. [CanadaGal]
Isn't your vote supposed to be of your own opinion? And aren't these polling booths private so that no one knows who you are voting for? I think you have every right to vote for whomever you want...This is a free country, is it not? [mibngold]
I don't think it was wasted. You had every right to express what you think it was best for your country. We are living in a democracy and every opinion counts. The fact that you did not conform with the mainstream does not make you different from them. © ronaldinu 2008 [ronaldinu]
Votes are never wasted. They are an expression of our opinions. Sure the majority rules but don't forget that the minority always has a voice. It takes time to change people views on things, faster if those high expectations aren't met. The real problem is your candidate didn't get fair coverage and had nowhere near the capital to even compete. It is not the choice of a lesser of two evils. If people stop voting for the two evils and pick someone else instead, there maybe a huge surprise in future elections. [sierras236]
your vote is note wasted. if you think that your guy is the best, then your vote will be really important. [Rotter22]
There is no such thing as a wasted vote, I voted for ron paul. In Pennsylvania if you voted for Ron Paul it didn't count cause PA doesn't count write in's so a vote for Ron Paul was a vote for mickey Mouse in their eyes. Its a shame but thats how the 2 party system works, its us vs them vs everybody else. It won't change until people understand its about working together and not blaming the people that have different views then you [Irodger83]