If I never supported Obama or McCain, why should I vote?

Question

Never been a fan of either. I feel like either candidate that gets elected, the people get screwed one way or another. Why should I give my vote to one of them instead of not voting at all? Is it not totally pointless to put another name on the ballot? If so, what difference does it make? (Sorry, I'm new to politics and I find some things pretty confusing)

Answer 1

Its your right in this country to vote. If you don't vote then it doesn't give you the right to complain if there is something wrong. Vote!

Answer 2

I hear this all the time and wonder if perhaps some people shouldn't vote at all.  However, since we are a Democracy, every citizen should express his or her opinion even if he doesn't have strong political interests.  People died so that we could have these freedoms and it's our duty to honor them.  I suggest you read the issues and learn what each candidate supports.  Then pick the candidate whose views you like the best.  For example, if you are pro-choice and believe in universal healthcare, then you would definitely not vote for McCain/Palin.  If you are against change, don't care much about the environment or endangered species, feel the economy is in great shape and that we need to stay in Iraq, then you probably shouldn't vote for Obama.

Answer 3

You should vote because you can. You need to try to find a reason to vote for one over the other, even if you don't particularly like either. The fact is whether you vote or not, one of them will get into power, but you do have the opportunity to sway it in one direction, if only very slightly. It's not good to not vote, you'd be wasting a very valuable opportunity. The less people that vote, the less people have power to choose how they are governed.

Answer 4

When er....stuff goes down, you can say 'Don't blame me, I didn't vote for him'. If your against both, third party all the way. It won't win but you'll stick to your beliefs as much as possible.

Answer 5

If you don't vote you have (in my opinion) given up your right to complain.  If you don't like either of the mainstream candidates (I'm with you when it comes to not wanting to vote for either of them) then vote for a write in candidate, and don't forget that we are not just voting for a President, but also for Senators and Congressmen.

For those that say "vote for the lessor of two evils", remember this, the lessor of two evils is still evil.

Answer 6

It's your right as an American to cast your vote for whomever you choose.

Not doing so diminishes us all.

Answer 7

don't vote, one vote will NEVER make a difference

Answer 8

Listen carefully to what they are saying. Make up your own mind based on your gut, your heart and your head.

Answer 9

You are right, you shouldn't vote.

Answer 10

A vote for McCain is a vote for Bush, Haliburton, big oil, Bush's war and the ruin of America.

Cindy McCain can afford John McCain, but America can't.

Answer 11

you just have to choose the lesser of two evils (McCain)

Answer 12

It is up to the candidates to convince *you* to vote for *them*, but it's also your responsibility to learn all can about them. There are more than two parties in this country. You can vote for one of them, or a write-in candidate. However, the current likelihood of a third ticket upsetting the dems or reps is highly unlikely. You could choose not to vote, but then you are letting others decide for you.

Please remember that there are many other offices and issues to vote for, such as senators and representatives, governors and other state offices, county and local offices. Then there are the measures, initiatives and referendums (or whatever they call then in your locality). Some of these things can affect you even more than the national presidency will.

The number of things on a ballot can seem overwhelming sometimes, but is also OK to vote a partial ballot--voting some, abstaining on others. It's better than nothing. Ultimately, if you feel strongly about not taking part in the presidential part of the election, then you are free to do as you wish. This is America after all.

Answer 13

Simple Vote Mccain = 100 years war in an illegal Iraq War

Vote Obama = pulling out troops from Iraq and giving them promotions and benefits.

YOU choose.

Answer 14

Vote for the [MUCH] lesser of the two evils.  

Just in case you don't know who that is, it is OBAMA!!!

Answer 15

All I can say is, if you don't vote you have no right to complain about what happens in the next 4 years.

Answer 16

  Learn more, then vote

Answer 17

You have seen how the Republicans have screwed the country so why not give the same opportunity to the Democrats?

No way can they be any worse.

In fact, I am willing to wager that they will reverse whatever damage the Bush-Cheney team has done so far to the country.

Answer 18

well buddy let me brake it down for you . if you are part of the 1% of the wealthiest you'd be voting republican so your $ are protected from taxes. Now, if you fit in the other catagory of 99% of the people who have been supporting those few for the last 8 years and are poor now you would be voting for a democrat, who purpose is by the people,for the people.     others parties  are wasted votes because their numbers are too small.   so register, and vote

Answer 19

You should vote Libertarian because we are going to outnumber the Republicans in the future.  It's already started.

Here's their website:

http://www.lp.org

Answer 20

Shrewd politicians often choose their positions on key issues based on the demographics they are trying to attract.

Just casting a vote for anyone at all increases the overall turnout for your demographic, so political candidates will be less likely to ignore your demographic's concerns in the future. Demographic can refer to age, race, gender, or geographic location.