Saturday 2 April 2011

How Do We Vote For Our Political Representatives?



While looking for a graphic for this post I discovered the above.  It is used by Bromsgrove District Council on its website and caused me to wonder how that electorate feel about being depicted as sheep. There couldn't have been many complaints or BDC surely would have removed it.

I digress.  Recently, in the Scottish blogosphere, there was a discussion about voters and their reasons for putting their cross where they do.  Some said people mainly vote for parties, yet I disagreed, as I think many vote for the personality of the candidate - if they have had the opportunity to meet them or hear them speak via the media.

In the right hand side column - directly under the Facebook logo - I've placed a short poll 'How do we elect our political representatives'. Once you have voted use the scroll bar at the bottom to view the results so far.   

The results could surprise our Holyrood candidates, party organisers and these dedicated activists who are fortunate to escape with all fingers intact - given the ferocity of modern letterboxes and what can linger behind them with molars exposed.

Thanks for taking part.

13 comments:

Disenfranchised of Buckingham said...

There are clearly many areas of the northern English wastelands where anything with a red rosette will get elected irrespective of the crimes of the out going member.

I suggest this applies to the rotten boroughs of Gladgow.

There are also areas where people think about how they vote.

There are certain things I would never vote for and people I would vote against, Bercow, springs to mind.

All the problems would disappear with a Swiss style direct democracy where all law has to be approved by the electorate. Castrate the government.

Furor Teutonicus said...

In a perfect worls (hahahahahaha!......... Sorry.) by policies. But no one has told me yet what they are, except "more of the same".

Does not matter what vege (Or party, if you like) you serve it with, it is all spam as main course.

Dioclese said...

My late friend Dave Sutch once said that he stood for election to represent the people do did not vote and that the DNVs always got a majority. He had a point.

My view is if you don't vote - even by spoiling the ballot - then you have not right to complain about what you get.

subrosa said...

That's what our politicians are terrified of Buckingham, a Swiss style direct democracy. They'll piddle around the edges implying we're getting big changes, (as in the AV referendum), but we know it's cheap window dressing.

subrosa said...

So eeny meeny miney mo is your choice Furor. Not a bad one I admit.

subrosa said...

He did have a point Dioclese and I entirely concur with your view.

Furor Teutonicus said...

XX subrosa said...

So eeny meeny miney mo is your choice Furor. Not a bad one I admit. XX

Not really. :-))

Greens, and anything further left wing than moussolini I would not touch with a barge pole. (And I include the "Neo-nazi" NPD/DVU in that description.).

We do have the "luck" to have a plethora of smaller partys, which CAN worry the "big boys", so it is worth considering the strategy vote.

In Britain, I really do not know any more (Although I do try to keep up. :-)) ). UKIP probably.

Nikostratos said...

I spose you could ask why most cant be bothered to vote for any of the above............

as they seem in this democracy to be a majority which are continually ignored.

Apogee said...

Hi SR. This is all about how to fill in a lottery ticket for 640 prizes of which we will not be a winner. The 640 winners will each get a prize of £300k+ over a period of five years and will if they wish, do very little for, and cannot be sacked.
How the ticket is filled in has no effect in the result, other than the human who wins it. The result is that we are given the idea that referendums are not much use , which is totally wrong, but suits the powers that be, to stop you asking for them, as they are an embarrassment to the government as you keep giving the wrong answer, as in Ireland.
Why not try the Swiss system,as Dis. of Buck. says, A little bit of direct democracy, maybe that's the referendum we should be having, and one about getting out of the EUSSR as well!

Furor Teutonicus said...

Mr. Mxyzptlk. If there was some kind of sytem, whereby all such votes were taken OFF the total of the winner, then it MAY work. Other than that, it is merely a "spoiled ballot paper."

subrosa said...

If you're confused now, from your distant residence Furor, you'll be more confused if Nick Clegg gets his AV system. :)

subrosa said...

If more voted wouldn't we have stronger voices Niko?

subrosa said...

I'm expounded the benefits of the Swiss system before Apogee. Perhaps it's time I did again - and included your EU question too of course.

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