Change my mind: if you don't vote don't complain?

[Gent207-2]

In the U. S

Yes everyone has the right to express their opinion, but by not voting you're pretty much a hypocrite. You're also the reason why your "opposition" wins.

Honestly both political parties are made of bunch of self-serving rich assholes. They are the reason why we are where we are for better or worse.

[BCA6010]

Broadly speaking, I agree with that sentiment because the primary election gives you the opportunity to vote for the better candidate of your choosing to run in the general.

When going past the surface however, the primaries are a bit bullsh*t. For the Republicans, the first 1/3 states that hold their primaries basically determine the nominee and the primary vote becomes moot by the time it gets to the lion's share of voters, often down to one clear frontrunner and two that would need a miracle to win. The Democratic primary is purely a dog and pony show for the party to test candidate popularity, because the party itself has the power to tip the scales as they see fit - which they've very openly done in the last two, and are still doing even as the incumbent party in office.

What a statistical majority of voters are oblivious to however, is that almost every other name on the ballot, as well as state and city elections are going to have a more direct impact on their lifestyles, yet it's not uncommon for a mayoral or city council election to only have ~5% voter turnout. I'm perfectly open to, and agree with the argument that election days should be considered holidays, but when roughly 50% participate in the presidential election, and a bit over half participate in midterms, and fewer and fewer people seem to give a toss the closer to home you get... it's hard for me to sympathize with those people especially if we share similar views.

[inhua]

definitely agree

there's a lot of conservatives who think Democrats have done such a poor job in running the country (which they have) that there's no way in hell that the public would ever vote for them again but they underestimate the stupidity of the masses

[purplepoppy]

What gives me the right to complain is I pay taxes not that I get to vote every 4 years.

Also unlike in America, people here weigh up the issues. I might like a parties stance on one thing but disagree on another. You weigh up which is more important to you. That doesn't mean you can moan about the policies you don't like.

[love_conquers_lust]

That’s co-opting. You can still complain, yeah. Maybe people will listen. But if people don’t, you’re basically paying them to speak for you.

You also have far more voting rights than just for US president every four years.

[Spongebobssocks]

I agree!

Now try to talk back at that statement😌

[Gent207-2]

I'm glad you agree

[exitseven]

Yes, the system is flawed and needs fixing but it is the only one we have. I think term limits would go a long way towards fixing things.

[AviatorTom]

George Carlin (may he rest in peace) explains this much better than I can...

https://www.youtube.com/embed/WLvm16MKCpA

[OddBeMe]

Nope true. And mostly needs to be said to liberals.

We lost 2016. Trump didn’t win it.

[AngryCarl2]

No, I agree. Vote or STFU.

[jamesgoldman]

Agreed