[magicman531]

Now I don't know all the technical terms for these things, and they vary from state to state, so bear with me.

I don't take time out, nor do I care to vote for a president. And I'll tell you why. Here in oregon the popular vote doesn't really hold any weight. For instance we'll say the population of oregon is 10,000 people. If 9,995 of those people were to vote for Obama (for the actual presidency), the representatives/electoral college guys could overrule that and side with McCain.

Because in this state the representatives don't have to vote the same as the popular vote. However laws in other states do require them to vote the same as the popular vote. But in my case and state, doesn't that in effect nullify and render my vote useless? If they don't have to vote with the popular vote, then why do I even need to vote? The only thing is does is give them something to "consider" when they ultimately make the final decision.

[White_Roach]

Our current voting system is fucking retarded. Why can't it just go by popular vote?

[Salbass]

I think in a lot of states the electors can vote how they want, but in practice it virtually never happens.

By the way, no one's vote really matters. The chances of you being decisive are near zero. So vote if it makes you feel good about it, otherwise don't.

[djacobox372]

Originally Posted by magicman531

Now I don't know all the technical terms for these things, and they vary from state to state, so bear with me.

I don't take time out, nor do I care to vote for a president. And I'll tell you why. Here in oregon the popular vote doesn't really hold any weight. For instance we'll say the population of oregon is 10,000 people. If 9,995 of those people were to vote for Obama (for the actual presidency), the representatives/electoral college guys could overrule that and side with McCain.

Because in this state the representatives don't have to vote the same as the popular vote. However laws in other states do require them to vote the same as the popular vote. But in my case and state, doesn't that in effect nullify and render my vote useless? If they don't have to vote with the popular vote, then why do I even need to vote? The only thing is does is give them something to "consider" when they ultimately make the final decision.

That may be technically true, but it has never happened... electoral college members always elect based on their states popular vote.

The bigger argument is that Oregon isn't a battleground state, it leans so far left that your vote won't change anything either way. I live in washington state and we always vote democratic, so my vote really doesn't matter.

I suggest instead of voting you just give $$ to your favorite candidate to help them win the battleground states.

[CardinalLaw]

Your characterization of the Electoral College is a little off base. While in many states they dont actually have to follow the popular vote, the do virtually every time. But, I do agree that our voting system is messed up. Now, if you are a conservative in California or a liberal in Utah, there is no point in voting because under the current system, the winning candidate gets all of that state's electoral college votes. (This isnt the case in Maine and Nebraska).

I don't vote and I dont plan on voting in the upcoming election. I know this pisses people off, but I feel that I should have no obligation to vote if I feel that no candidate will best represent my own interests and the interests of the US people at large. If you look at the people voting now, it seems to me that they are voting for a certain candidate not so much because they like that candidate but more because they dont like the other candidates. People didnt vote for John Kerry because they liked John Kerry. They voted for him because they hated George Bush. Why should I have to chose between the lesser of two evils? I think that not voting, if done for the right reasons, is the ultimate exercise of your democratic power- a statement that you are dissatisfied with every option the current government has to offer.

**Steps off soapbox.

[magicman531]

Originally Posted by djacobox372

That may be technically true, but it has never happened... electoral college members always elect based on their states popular vote.

The bigger argument is that Oregon isn't a battleground state, it leans so far left that your vote won't change anything either way. I live in washington state and we always vote democratic, so my vote really doesn't matter.

I suggest instead of voting you just give $$ to your favorite candidate to help them win the battleground states.

I don't care who wins the presidency. It's all run by the Illuminati anyway.

[Cecile Peoples]

Originally Posted by CardinalLaw

I don't vote and I dont plan on voting in the upcoming election. I know this pisses people off, but I feel that I should have no obligation to vote if I feel that no candidate will best represent my own interests and the interests of the US people at large. If you look at the people voting now, it seems to me that they are voting for a certain candidate not so much because they like that candidate but more because they dont like the other candidates. People didnt vote for John Kerry because they liked John Kerry. They voted for him because they hated George Bush. Why should I have to chose between the lesser of two evils? I think that not voting, if done for the right reasons, is the ultimate exercise of your democratic power- a statement that you are dissatisfied with every option the current government has to offer.

**Steps off soapbox.

**applauds**

I have no idea how many people I've heard say they'll vote for the democratic candidate, no matter who it is, because they're tired of old white guys being president. Oh, and these are "informed" voters.

To be chosen as an electorate means you are super loyal to your party. It would be like Rush Limbaugh voting for Hillary - it's unbelievably unlikely and would end his current career.

[magicman531]

Originally Posted by Cecile Peoples

**applauds**

I have no idea how many people I've heard say they'll vote for the democratic candidate, no matter who it is, because they're tired of old white guys being president. Oh, and these are "informed" voters.

To be chosen as an electorate means you are super loyal to your party. It would be like Rush Limbaugh voting for Hillary - it's unbelievably unlikely and would end his current career.

Wasn't Limbaugh wanting the super delegates to change their votes and then switch back?

[BasRuttenFan]

Didn't Gore beat Bush in the popular vote, but lost the electoral? That should show the voters don't mean shit.

[Cecile Peoples]

Originally Posted by magicman531

Wasn't Limbaugh wanting the super delegates to change their votes and then switch back?

I don't know, I don't listen to him. Life is easier that way.