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Not Apathetic

Tell the world why you're not voting - don't let your silence go unheard

They're not voting because...

I intend to abstain my vote for the ...

I intend to abstain my vote for the following reasons:
1) there are not enough proper political alternatives, we have a choice between right and centre left. Lack of proportional representation restricts the alternatives.
2) in an increasing globalising world, is there a credible alternative to neo-liberalism that doesn't resort to unethical totalitariansim. The UK and Europe seem to be on an inexorable slide to the right.
3)Our political conscience is always developed through our environment (media, education etc.). If this is compromised then our views are naturally subject to some degree of brain washing. This is evident with the New Labour media circus. I do not want to be pawn in a game of control between the established elites.

For the above reasons I will be abstaining my vote

written 1st May 2005

Responses

Andy replies: Not voting is not the answer. Vote for the party that supports PR .... It may not happen this time, but just keep at it.
No vote, no right to complain about the new leaders who ever they may be!

written 2nd May 2005

Julie replies: I thought this at first but have now realised that the only possible way to achieve PR is by voting lib dem. Disillusionment and detatchment from the political process is exactly what will sustain this neo-liberal hegemony.

written 2nd May 2005

nico replies: PR has its down sides, it is the holy grail of the lib dems because it will mean a much fairer MP quota in parliament. PR systems lead to weak coalition governments and poor constituency links. which one of your 4+ MP's do you write to with issues?

written 2nd May 2005

Mark Scott replies: But really, who votes for an individual MP these days? The mantra about needing a single accountable member for each constituency is a smokescreen. There are better ways to arrange for appeals channels for aggrieved citizens.

Realistically, most voters have no knowledge of the character of "their" candidates and eventual MPs, because people vote for a party, or perhaps for the party leader as the personification of their party, and that is a cheapening, a dumbing down which is hugely convenient for the incumbent parties.

Some form of proportional representation is essential if there is to be any re-invigoration of democracy in this country. Under the current system, a few people in a few marginal constituencies are the only people whose votes count. Everyone's vote should count. PR is the only way that can happen.

written 2nd May 2005

About Not Apathetic

NotApathetic was built so that people who are planning not to vote in the UK General Election on May 5th can tell the world why. We won't try to persuade you that voting is a good or a bad idea - we're just here to record and share your explanations. Whether ideological, practical or other, any reason will do.

A lot of users would like us to mention that if you spoil your ballot paper, it will be counted. So if you want to record a vote for "none of the above", you can.

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