Life How much effort do you put into voting? - Page 2

**DaFace** · 10-29-2014, 11:01 AM

I spent a few hours last night voting for this year's elections (mail ballot). I have no idea what's typical, but there were probably a total of 20 different races (governor, senator, house rep, and a ton of state-level offices), about 15 different judges that I had to vote to retain or give the boot, and probably 7-8 ballot issues (state and local) to vote on.

I always approach it from the perspective of making an informed decision, so I spent at least a few minutes on each of the ballot issues making sure I understood the arguments for/against (using the "blue book" put out by the state). The judges are always pretty straightforward - I just mainly go through the recommendations in our little guide and go with those unless there's someone who has been contentious.

For the big races, I even spent a few minutes reading about the opinions of each candidate and tried to come to an informed decision on those too. But after a while, you can hardly even find information on some of the tiny races like county commissioner and the like, so I inevitably eventually end up just voting party line on some of those (though I kind of feel bad about it).

So...how much effort do you put into it?

(P.S. Let's keep this a-political if possible. This is about the process - not the parties involved.)

Hammock Parties · 10-29-2014, 11:28 AM

It's for suckers.

Coochie liquor · 10-29-2014, 11:41 AM

This is the first year I've voted, and only did so because I'm voting for leagization of medical marijuana. As for the rest I voted all independent. Unless there wasn't one, then I wrote in Bob Marley!

BWillie · 10-29-2014, 11:58 AM

I don't vote in presidential elections, because I live in Kansas, and my vote literally does not matter. But for the senate & gubernatorial ones I do a little research, probably more than most. For the more local ones, I don't vote or put anything down for them because I have no idea who they are. I know most people just blindly click the guy with the "R" or "D" next to it. Really helping out society there guys, just blindly picking the R or the D.

**gblowfish** · 10-29-2014, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

A lot. It's important. People die for my right to do it. It matters.

This.

When I was 18, my dad made me go register to vote. He said he didn't freeze his ass shooting at the Chinese in Korea for his son not exercise the freedom he fought for.

I've made sure to vote ever since. Don't think I've missed a Presidential or Mid-Term election ever.

cosmo20002 · 10-29-2014, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimidollar

I think voting is pointless. However, I still do it because it takes two minutes of my time. This year I voted mostly Libertarian with a few Republicans mixed in as well. Voting was a lot more fun when I could pull the lever for Ron Paul. Now I'm represented by a ****ing walrus.

It was pointless in your case.

cosmo20002 · 10-29-2014, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

So...how much effort do you put into it?

Hardly any effort is needed. There's tons of campaign ads on TV, so I just listen to those and get most of the info I need.

On important stuff like County Water Commissioner, I'll research on the internet until I feel like I can make an informed decision.

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-29-2014, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

Well informed. However, I refused to vote in 2012 Presidential as I refused to cast a vote for the "lesser of two evils" candidate. I'd like a candidate I can actually support rather than the one I dislike the least.

Exactly

**MahiMike** · 10-29-2014, 12:06 PM

One crook from column A, one crook from column B...

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-29-2014, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

Hardly any effort is needed. There's tons of campaign ads on TV, so I just listen to those and get most of the info I need.

On important stuff like County Water Commissioner, I'll research on the internet until I feel like I can make an informed decision.

Sheep

Fairplay · 10-29-2014, 12:08 PM

I ask cosmo who he is going to vote for then I vote the opposite.

Steron · 10-29-2014, 12:12 PM

I vote in each election. I put in the work to find out where each one stands on the issues that are important to me. The ones I don't know, I either don't vote for or I cast a vote along the party line. I have to believe that the candidate with the same affiliation as me has at least the same core values. Well, they are supposed to.

**ptlyon** · 10-29-2014, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steron

I vote in each election. I put in the work to find out where each one stands on the issues that are important to me. The ones I don't know, I either don't vote for or I cast a vote along the party line. I have to believe that the candidate with the same affiliation as me has at least the same core values. Well, they are supposed to.

Yay buddy, Mr. Bill Clinton

jimidollar · 10-29-2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

This.

When I was 18, my dad made be go register to vote. He said he didn't freeze his ass shooting at the Chinese in Korea for his son not exercise the freedom he fought for.

I've made sure to vote ever since. Don't think I've missed a Presidential or Mid-Term election ever.

I'm confused. How did shooting at Chinese in Korea protect your right to vote?

Iconic · 10-29-2014, 12:29 PM

None because it doesn't matter.

Molitoth · 10-29-2014, 12:41 PM

I research the Issues/Amendments/etc and vote on those, but have little care for what figure head is in office just doing what their funding party want them to do.

View Poll Results: How much effort do you put into voting?
5 - I am well-informed about nearly every race and issue and try to make a solid decision on each of them.	15	20.83%
4 - I try to be well-informed about most races and issues, but don't put much effort into a handful.	22	30.56%
3 - I keep up on candidates and issues generally, but don't really research them in detail.	9	12.50%
2 - I mostly go with my gut reaction, but do put some effort into knowing who I'm voting for.	3	4.17%
1 - I largely go with the names I like and don't put any effort into it at all.	2	2.78%
0 - I don't vote.	21	29.17%
Voters: 72. You may not vote on this poll

10-29-2014, 11:01 AM
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $2116899	How much effort do you put into voting? I spent a few hours last night voting for this year's elections (mail ballot). I have no idea what's typical, but there were probably a total of 20 different races (governor, senator, house rep, and a ton of state-level offices), about 15 different judges that I had to vote to retain or give the boot, and probably 7-8 ballot issues (state and local) to vote on. I always approach it from the perspective of making an informed decision, so I spent at least a few minutes on each of the ballot issues making sure I understood the arguments for/against (using the "blue book" put out by the state). The judges are always pretty straightforward - I just mainly go through the recommendations in our little guide and go with those unless there's someone who has been contentious. For the big races, I even spent a few minutes reading about the opinions of each candidate and tried to come to an informed decision on those too. But after a while, you can hardly even find information on some of the tiny races like county commissioner and the like, so I inevitably eventually end up just voting party line on some of those (though I kind of feel bad about it). So...how much effort do you put into it? (P.S. Let's keep this a-political if possible. This is about the process - not the parties involved.)
Posts: 51,710

10-29-2014, 11:28 AM	#16
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4800478	It's for suckers. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,451

10-29-2014, 11:41 AM	#17
Coochie liquor Bolton gonna knock you out Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Free Vybz Kartel Casino cash: $2792394	This is the first year I've voted, and only did so because I'm voting for leagization of medical marijuana. As for the rest I voted all independent. Unless there wasn't one, then I wrote in Bob Marley!
Posts: 20,390

10-29-2014, 11:58 AM	#18
BWillie Future NBA Finals MVP Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Earth Casino cash: $2521241	I don't vote in presidential elections, because I live in Kansas, and my vote literally does not matter. But for the senate & gubernatorial ones I do a little research, probably more than most. For the more local ones, I don't vote or put anything down for them because I have no idea who they are. I know most people just blindly click the guy with the "R" or "D" next to it. Really helping out society there guys, just blindly picking the R or the D. __________________ Who wants free money? Use the link below to sign up at Bovada, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker and Ignition. Contact me for private deals, spot bonuses, possible rakeback or any questions! Bovada, Ignition, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker: baldeaglepoker.com Bovada Poker is back! Get up to $500 poker deposit bonus.
Posts: 45,812

10-29-2014, 12:06 PM	#23
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	One crook from column A, one crook from column B... __________________ 99.9%
Posts: 17,387

10-29-2014, 12:08 PM	#25
Fairplay A certain set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: texas Casino cash: $10026683 VARSITY	I ask cosmo who he is going to vote for then I vote the opposite.
Posts: 25,265

10-29-2014, 12:12 PM	#26
Steron Texting Ms. Dobbs Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Virginia Casino cash: $9418246	I vote in each election. I put in the work to find out where each one stands on the issues that are important to me. The ones I don't know, I either don't vote for or I cast a vote along the party line. I have to believe that the candidate with the same affiliation as me has at least the same core values. Well, they are supposed to.
Posts: 1,673

10-29-2014, 12:29 PM	#29
Iconic It's just a ride. Join Date: Dec 2010 Casino cash: $4220360	None because it doesn't matter. __________________ 12·12·11 回 RIP Turd Haley
Posts: 7,600

10-29-2014, 12:41 PM	#30
Molitoth Mahomes Fanboi Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $3034969	I research the Issues/Amendments/etc and vote on those, but have little care for what figure head is in office just doing what their funding party want them to do.
Posts: 19,472