Election 2010 - Anonymous Poll

[Easy_Rider]

In a PR system you usually need more than 50% of the votes for an outright win, which is very rare.

System does need reforming, but please no PR, we'll get BNP MP's in PR system for a start (they got 1.9% of the vote!!). If we just review all the constituencies so they do have the same number of voters then that'll be better. As I mentioned before, Tony Blair got 35% of the votes and won by 64 seats in 2005 and yet the Tories got 36% of the vote this time and lost by 20 seats. System is actually stacked in Labour's favour, tradionally Tories need over 40% for an outright win.

 

[Neil]

System is actually stacked in Labour's favour

That maybe how it's evolved, but I suspect not by design.

Truth be told, it's all very cyclical. Tories were in power for long time (79-97) people got fed up with them, communally decided it's time for a change, so voted in Labour.

Labour are in power for a few years, pretty much the same thing. A cycle that will repeat with narrowing margins, as both parties realise they must align to similar themes to attract votes.

 

[tintin40]

it's more honest to say its staked in favour of the big two parties (the conservatives have been around a lot longer than labour) just like the USA system. But at last this is an opportunity for more of a consensus based system. unlike in the past when people didn't know what they were going to get/wanted.

 

[mattbrown]

If i were the Queen id sack the lot of them and take control, what a wonderful thing to do in your golden years, take back the country, and then pass it on to her offspring from then on, while we are at it, we can sort out the middle east, but going on crusades there to take back jerusalem

/s

 

[Grannygrinder]

.

I definately think a fine for not voting would be a good thing. A number of people i've spoken too are moaning about the situation, but when you say 'do you mind if I ask who you voted for? the reply is mostly 'oh I was busy' :?

 

[tintin40]

If i'm correct you must register to the electoral role when you move to an area. with i think a £1000 fine if you don't.
But if you move many times then who is going to know you haven't.

In Aus i believe you have to vote. But many people just spoil the form. The old saying 'You can force a horse to water but not to drink' comes to mind.

 

[Neil]

Personally, I don't think forcing (or trying to force) people to vote solves anything - certainly not apathy.

If people aren't motivated off their own backs to vote, what would forcing them achieve? Some crappy decision because they have no choice? Surely democracy is about the right to vote and choose, and also the right to abstain.

It's not something that sits easy with me - but some people simply don't care enough to vote, whether they care about the outcome, or otherwise.

 

[IDB1]

I'm 44 this year and have only voted thrice in my life so far.. 2 out of those 3 times have been this year.
The first time would have been early 90's.

In all honesty, up until this year, I really couldn't have given a crap.. I also didn't whine about the state of the country and the governmen (I believe you give up that right if you choose to abstain)..

From here on in I will vote in every election (local or general) that I can. Not because I think it'll make a difference but now I think I should... that and the missus insists :?

 

[JohnH]

Personally, I don't think forcing (or trying to force) people to vote solves anything - certainly not apathy.

If people aren't motivated off their own backs to vote, what would forcing them achieve? Some crappy decision because they have no choice? Surely democracy is about the right to vote and choose, and also the right to abstain.

I have to agree. You wouldn't have to force voters to the polls if we were offered something that inspired us to get off our arses and support it. Barack Obama's campaign motivated many people who had never voted before to turn up at the polling station.

 

[tintin40]

First passed the post gives strong gov. Well this time its given a 3 way split. get ready to vote again in a few months.