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Post by chris on Oct 20, 2007 17:24:53 GMT 10
Hi everyone i am new to Anarchism and wondering as an Anarchist how should i vote? Should i vote? I guess i have to because i don't want to get a fine and since I'm there i might as well tick a box. But which one and why?
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris.
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Post by LiteraryPiano on Oct 20, 2007 23:10:21 GMT 10
Well, anarchists don't usually advocate voting for anyone - you know, against government (how much more degrading is it to be ruled then to choose ones master?) But in Australia, it's compulsory to vote. I don't know, the only one I can think of is the Socialist Party as they have decent politics, but aside from that I don't know. I mean, if voting changed anything, it would be illegal.  |
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Post by brokenfence on Oct 21, 2007 1:41:07 GMT 10
Just because you have to turn up to vote doesn't mean you have to vote. Remember, no one is supposed to look at your voting card. So be creative; write a letter... draw a picture... use your imagination...
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Post by molotovhearts on Oct 21, 2007 9:54:42 GMT 10
What's your electorate like? Sometimes if you're not in a "marginal seat", then you could pretty much already say which party would win that seat anyway. But then again, you said that you might as well tick a box (note: ticking a box isn't a valid vote though), so i guess just look at what's there, because not every electorate has candidates from every party. Do you know what candidates are running for your electorate? That could help in giving you an opinion.
As for the suggestion of writing a letter or drawing a picture, I'd much rather spend my energy creating something someone will actually look at. There's so many ballot papers, they'd probably notice that you didn't vote and just chuck it.
At the state election earlier this year, my friend's boyfriend drew a penis on the voting card. In any other context I'd probably think it were immature, but i just found it hilarious.
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Post by LiteraryPiano on Oct 21, 2007 10:05:35 GMT 10
Just because you have to turn up to vote doesn't mean you have to vote. Remember, no one is supposed to look at your voting card. So be creative; write a letter... draw a picture... use your imagination... baha! Drawing a picture would be awesome. |
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Post by molotovhearts on Oct 21, 2007 10:22:47 GMT 10
Also, a question I haven't really looked into: What are the consequences of not enrolling to vote in the first place? I've been given the forms a couple of times, but still haven't filled them in.
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Post by LiteraryPiano on Oct 21, 2007 11:35:44 GMT 10
Also, a question I haven't really looked into: What are the consequences of not enrolling to vote in the first place? I've been given the forms a couple of times, but still haven't filled them in. Fines, I think. 200 + |
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Post by kurohata on Oct 21, 2007 16:12:42 GMT 10
Also, a question I haven't really looked into: What are the consequences of not enrolling to vote in the first place? I've been given the forms a couple of times, but still haven't filled them in. Fines, I think. 200 + No, they just tell you again to enrol. My cousin's partner is like 35-40 and has never registered. |
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Post by LiteraryPiano on Oct 21, 2007 17:59:31 GMT 10
No, they just tell you again to enrol. My cousin's partner is like 35-40 and has never registered. According to "bastard" (you know who), a *Friend of a friend* got a 200 dollar fine for not enrolling. |
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Post by agentsaboteur on Oct 21, 2007 21:40:36 GMT 10
No, they just tell you again to enrol. My cousin's partner is like 35-40 and has never registered. According to "bastard" (you know who), a *Friend of a friend* got a 200 dollar fine for not enrolling. the only way they can fine you is via census forms prior to enrolling, if someone your living with fills out the census forms and states your age, thats how they find out. hence how they send you those lovely birthday cards with: ENROLL TO VOTE NOW! written on the inside... and yeah, if you are enrolled to vote, deface the paper. under preferrential voting, chances are your vote goes towards a major party anyway |
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Post by funkymunky on Oct 21, 2007 22:53:48 GMT 10
vote for the party with the funniest name!
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Post by LiteraryPiano on Oct 21, 2007 22:56:31 GMT 10
vote for the party with the funniest name! Like the Irony party? |
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Post by spikeyred on Oct 28, 2007 21:14:19 GMT 10
If your living in the Federal seat of Melbourne and you feel that you should vote for *someone*, then, Vote Socialist Party first. You should all know though, that I am a member of the SP, so, I'm of course incredibly biased towards them, but I seriously think that we are a progressive, worker-friendly party with 'correct' policies, and, though we are not a 'mass' party, we strive too be in a genuine manner. HOWEVER - If you did vote for us, you can only vote for us in the lower house, and, eventually, because I would expect any anarchist who voted to preference ALP before Libs, then, your vote will probably end up with Nick Minchin, as it's a safe ALP seat. The Greens candidate isn't terrible in Fed. Melbourne though. Nick Minchin is a neo-liberal fucker though, he's a senior ALP figure too, Finance minister I believe.
Apart from that - I dunno. If you can get away with somehow voting for some form of 'acceptable' progressive party, just to give them support in terms of percentages and not end up preferencing ALP or Libs, then, go for it :-) Remember that the Electoral commision can fuck a group up for not getting enough votes, and it can sting finacially, so, if there is a comradely party standing, maybe it dosen't hurt to give them your vote.
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Post by chris on Oct 29, 2007 8:39:25 GMT 10
meh... i'm just gonna vote for myself.
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Post by funkymunky on Oct 29, 2007 22:29:05 GMT 10
vote for the party with the funniest name! Like the Irony party? or the liberal party.... |
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