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Forum Post: Non-voters

Posted 12 years ago on Nov. 7, 2012, 1:28 a.m. EST by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

OK, now what? I'm fresh out of ideas.

28 Comments

28 Comments


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[-] 7 points by beautifulworld (23822) 12 years ago

One thing we can do is go back to the Declaration of the Occupation of NYC from 9/29/11 and start focusing on the issues again instead of this damn election which has wasted our time and money. We have not resolved many of the issues that brought about this movement in the first place.

The Declaration of the Occupation of NYC:

http://www.nycga.net/resources/documents/declaration/

[-] 2 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 12 years ago

Exactly. We're still in the same boat we were a year ago.

[-] 2 points by GirlFriday (17435) 12 years ago

Yep.

[-] 1 points by LeoYo (5909) 12 years ago

Non-voters are the key to change. They out number both parties and are the only ones who will be willing to demand accountability or no support at all. Partisan voters can never do this and therefore can never bring about change. Only those willing to not vote if their conditions aren't met can use their lack of support as a means for change http://occupywallst.org/forum/free-democracy-amendment/ .

[-] 1 points by LetsGetReal (1420) from Grants, NM 12 years ago

If the non-voters would vote third party instead of opting out, that would make a huge impact.

[-] 1 points by LeoYo (5909) 12 years ago

Third party would be just as subject to corruption as others once popular and still wouldn't get everyone's vote. Only something that applies to all eliminates that situation http://occupywallst.org/forum/freeda-template/ .

[-] 0 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

I don't think non-voters are the key to change. This just occured to me- every election we hear about demographics, about 40-50% of people don't vote, minorities lean left, women lean left, young people lean left, etc..etc... Who are these people that don't vote then? A lot are probably like me- over the hill low budget white dudes who don't care. Are we supposed to be the agents of change? Get real, we're the problem. Half of us are anarchists and the other half doesn't know they are. OWS is better off without us.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

I guess it is OK for you to judge yourself - I mean who knows you better?

[-] 0 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

You maybe? It seems lots of people are apathetic. 40-50% of the polulation is a lot.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Nope - don't know you. Hence my comment on your comment.

[-] 1 points by LeoYo (5909) 12 years ago

Is your demographic accurate? Is it that minorites lean left or that minority voters lean left? Is it that young people lean left or that young voters lean left?

And why are non-voters apathetic? Is it because they don't care no matter what or is it that they don't care because they don't know how to make voting work?

[-] 0 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

All we hear about is demographics during and after elections. There was an 18% gap with women voters. They obviously favored Obama.

[-] 1 points by LeoYo (5909) 12 years ago

I suspect that the non-voters are mainly people who have become disenchanted by the idea of voting to bring about change. If that's the case, simply providing the means of making voting work would galvanize them.

[-] 0 points by Brython (-146) 12 years ago

My impression in NY was that the largest proportion of non-voters was white middle aged males; what to do, what to do?

[-] 1 points by Karlin (350) from Nelson, BC 12 years ago

How about looking at places where they get an 85% turnout? Something must be getting them excited... they must feel their vote counts, that it makes a difference.

Where? Care to play along?... take a guess?? Hint - there was a national election just last month, 85% turnout...

  • they took land from the rich and gave it to the poor.

    • American agents have tried to assassinate the President
    • and staged a coup.
    • and maybe gave him cancer.... Oh that gave it away didn't it

    When there is real hope, people will vote. 50% of Americans have none??

I have a hard time arguing with American non-voters who say "why vote when the two choices are the same choice?"

PS - I know 3 "non-voters". Two of them smoke pot - Use your best George Carlin/Cheech [of Chong] voice as you say "voting is accepting the system as it is, maaaan" ; "down with the establishment" ;"don't give your power to the MAN, man"....

[-] 1 points by Ache4Change (3340) 12 years ago

Oh my, The Man sure can talk! I feel a bit inspired listening to his speech and relieved at the result but OWS is needed now more than ever. The Bankers and their money need to be excised out of American politics. We have to keep hoping and working for Medicare for all, debt relief for our students and debt burdened, an end to wars, green tech and a living wage and increased minimum wage. Good luck to us all and pass the joint steve!

[-] 1 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

Let's stop saying 'green' or 'clean' tech. It sounds scammy. Alternative sounds better.

[-] 1 points by Ache4Change (3340) 12 years ago

Ok 'green' it is but don't hog the joint dude!

[-] 1 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

Lol. OK, green isn't so bad but clean? No such thing. Sounds strange. As far as the weed, I don't indulge. Dems and repubs bust me for everything.

[-] 1 points by Ache4Change (3340) 12 years ago

I had a long day of feeling nervous, cooking, feeding folk and walking dogs. The kids have gone to bed. The house is quite. Romney did not win and I don't have to up sticks and escape to Canada. All is well for a few hours. You don't indulge you say? Well it is probably as good a time to start as any!

Here you go ... ======~~

[-] 2 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

Here's something good to come out of this election;

Colorado, Washington Pot Legalization Deals Drug War Major Blow

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/07/colorado-washington-pot-legalization-_n_2086023.html#comments

[-] 1 points by Ache4Change (3340) 12 years ago

Nice one steve. Nice article. I have to hit the sack now but thank you, good night and good luck.

[-] 1 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

I hate Wisconsin. It's such an alcohol culture and it's gross. I'm a former alkee of course.

[-] 1 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

Does this mean I can smoke weed now? Just kidding!!

[-] 3 points by TrevorMnemonic (5827) 12 years ago

You had to vote in order to make weed legal. Look at Colorado and Washington.

Great example of why apathy is pointless. Voting matters. You just might change the law.

[-] 0 points by WSmith (2698) from Cornelius, OR 12 years ago

If you don't Vote, you don't Count!

[-] -2 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

Serious? I'm OK with that. Obama said us non-voters are the problem. Called us out a couple times in his speech. That's it for me I guess. Goodbye everyone!!!

[-] 0 points by WSmith (2698) from Cornelius, OR 12 years ago

bye