FL Dem. voted in Prez. primary despite my vote won't count. Why?

Question

I did my civic duty & voted for a person running in the Democratic primary. Was this a waste of time? My vote won't be counted. Would you vote knowing your vote wouldn't count? Should I have stayed home w/my beer & Oreos?

I can't tell you who I voted for but I can tell you I weigh 190 pounds.

Answer 1

Voting is never a waste of time, and I'm thrilled you took advantage of that right, especially as many people (in states who haven't been stripped of their delegates) don't vote.

I think the National Conventions' ability to strip states of delegates is a dangerous precedent to set.  The entire primary system, in my opinion, needs an overhaul, and the current troubles are just one symptom of this greater problem.

Again, kudos to you for voting!

Answer 2

I would have stayed home with beer & Oreos.  It was only a primary election anyway.

Answer 3

you vote should count if everything goes well.  it helps put the most popular candidate as the party's selection for president.

Answer 4

I am not a Dem ... but I am very glad that you voted ... I am for all informed people utilizing their right to vote!!

As far as the situation in FL ... This is what I found!

Here is why Florida was penalized ...

So what's all the fuss about?

Florida, like every other state, is required to submit a “Delegate Selection Plan for the 2008 Democratic National Convention” to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) explaining how and when the state will pick and apportion its delegates for the presidential nominating process. Florida has 210 delegates. We submitted our Plan earlier this year, and the DNC found it to be in non-compliance with DNC Rules because our state-run Primary date does not comply with the schedule ordered by the DNC’s rules. Therefore, they have issued a 100% reduction of our delegates to the national convention.

Why didn’t the Florida Democratic Party follow the Rules?

Florida’s Primary date, as determined by state law, violates one part of the Rules because it comes before February 5, 2008. The DNC only allows Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina to go before February 5, but Florida law set ours for January 29.  The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC) is the only body that can grant final approval of the Delegate Selection Plan, but the Credentials Committee of the Democratic National Convention, which will be formed next year, decides who actually attends the Convention.

Should Democrats vote that day?

YES. All Democrats should vote on January 29. Even if the vote is not recognized by the DNC, the choice of Florida voters’ for the Democratic presidential nominee will make waves in the media across the country, just a week before the all-important February 5th – a date some are calling “Tsunami Tuesday” because so many states are holding their primaries that day. Additionally, there are important municipal elections as well as a constitutional property tax amendment on the ballot that day as well. Turnout is crucial.

Answer 5

Democrat?  Then yes, feel free to stay at home and eat cookies.

Answer 6

Blame the Democrat party.  They took away Florida's convention delagates' votes because the state moved the primary date up in violation of national party rules.

Answer 7

Never vote in primaries! Where in the Constitution does it say I HAVE to declare a party?! Take these crooks or those crooks,,  ;-(=

Answer 8

i'm sure there are propositions on the ballot you may want to vote on. so vote for prez while you are at it and stop whining. the dnc will porbably let the delgates count in thre end anyeway.

Answer 9

You have a great point----that in order for a person to have his vote counted he must adhere to--party control---of elections---makes you wonder--what good is the state any more in government---if it cannot control its elections.

Answer 10

I hope you are not assuming that it is your civic duty to vote for a democrate, if so it your vote shouldnt count.  Who you vote for should be decided by you based on the politicians stand on the issues that matter to you.  Not parties or what you assume the media tells you is the popular belief.  

Many people have died to give you that vote and to give you the right to keep it, and not using (or using it uneducated) is telling those people that they died in vain.

Answer 11

I assume there were candidates for state and local offices, and maybe referenda on the ballot.  They are important reasons for you to vote.

As far as the Presidential primary, the Democratic party can decide whether it or not respects your vote.

Answer 12

Never knock voting.  In Ohio, there was an election where smoking in public places was on the ballot.  It passed by only a hundred or so votes....  All those people that said it wouldn't matter what they voted for were wrong.  It could've been skewed either way.

SO, be happy that you voted.  Now you have earned the right to complain when the wrong guy gets elected...hahaha  :-)

Answer 13

because it is also your civic duty to vote in other important state and local elections. especially in florida with that awful amendment one on the ballot. never mind that there were many local elections at the same time.

remember, congress yields the power at the national level, but the true policy that impacts your daily life comes from the state and the local gov't, especially here in florida. so pay attention at these levels!

Answer 14

They only effect any Dem vote in FL, would ne to show the results on CNN. FL delegates were taken away by the DNC.

Answer 15

I went and voted anyway (hoping it will at least bring some press)...and in the meantime I wrote a letter to Senator Nelson and the DNC regarding my feelings about not having my vote "count".