Why don't you vote?

[DamnYankee]

I recognize the threat of urban areas dominating political influence. Still, I would rather see a popular vote.

I think the Founders were right on the money with the electoral college. We are a republic, not a (true)democracy.

[josephdphillips]

and the question would be: why not?

Because the apathetic, uneducated and unintelligent should stay at home.

The fewer people that vote, the more mine counts.

[Ratbag]

i used to vote blank. thats an option in NL. its what you vote when you think none of the politicians deserve your trust, which i think is the case. last time though, i felt it was crucial to be more influential (i think because of the geert wilders hype) and voted a green party, on a lady i had seen in interviews and found sympathetic and sincere (not really, just more so then most politicians). right after the election was done, she left politics and her party voted 'yes' for the mission in afghanistan, which, during the electoral process, they said they were against.
i felt slightly cheated.

It is illegal not to vote here, of course it's not illegal to vote in an illegitimate manner, a lot of people do this kind of thing, I did at one poll in the past because I'd been out of the loop and none of the info I had shoved at me in the last minute dash sounded sincere at all. Usually though I do my research, but a lot of people tick no boxes, and then there are some that number everything in order from 1 - 272, most just go for your single box vote though, so they only need to put two marks on the papers LOL

[queenlillian1962]

I think the Founders were right on the money with the electoral college. We are a republic, not a (true)democracy.

Why? If I understand it correctly it gives someone the power to vote against what the people he represents want if he feels they are making a mistake. Why should that be his call?

[josephdphillips]

Why? If I understand it correctly it gives someone the power to vote against what the people he represents want if he feels they are making a mistake. Why should that be his call?

A republic prevents the tyranny of the majority. The public can't be trusted to restrain their own irrational passions, which is why they choose professionals to govern.

In a true democracy, there wouldn't be a Bill of Rights.

[Charles]

It is illegal not to vote here,

So if you are essentially "forced" to vote, do they at least make it convenient? Meaning, you don't have to physically visit a voting place? Can you vote online or simply by mail?

[Ratbag]

Yes, provided there is a reason for this, I personally always postal vote (almost always anyhow) as I am in an isolated location, those overseas, or unable to physically visit a polling booth are also allowed a postal vote, not sure about online, not been in that position during a poll. You are also given extra time for this, due to delivery of course.

[86Dùde]

Presidents are selected not elected so there is no point.