Show Your Dissent!
For those considering or who have decided not to vote; you think it isn’t worth it because they are all much alike. But when you think ‘all alike’ I will assume you mean the Tories, Labour and Liberal Democrats. And I agree; but a vote for an independent or a fringe party will not make a difference- or will it?
Consider this; in your area, one of these three is elected with, let’s say a 30% turn out. Imagine, if the other 70% voted! Firstly, in my area there were five choices; the big three and UKIP or the Greens; if the other 70% voted for either one, they would be elected instead. A vote for a fringe party is not a wasted vote IF you get out and do it! Remember, they were all fringe parties once!
Even if your vote doesn’t elect an alternative choice, when the analysis of the voting is done, a massive turnout with large numbers voting against the ‘three’ will be as significant as a landslide victory for anybody.
We need to show our dissent- we need to go out and vote, if we cannot vote for them THEN VOTE AGAINST THEM!
SMILING CARCASS'S TWO-PENNETH 
Reblogged this on Vox Political and commented:
As a Labour member, I can’t really support this. However, as someone who has issues with some Labour policies and wants them changed to make the party more reasonable (and therefore more electable) there is a great deal to be said for a protest vote that nudges parties in the right direction. Much has been said lately about UKIP pulling the Conservative Party towards the political right wing, so there’s no reason the Greens (for example) shouldn’t be able to show Labour the benefits of sticking to socialist values. Either way, please share widely; people need food for thought and this post has not yet received the attention it needs.
Mike Sivier
02/05/2013 at 10:17 AM
I have been complaining more than you Mike for many years about
people like Blair losing us members and core voters but I have never
committed the treason you are advocating. You blog and I tweet our
dissent with right-wing Labour policies we don’t like,but at election
time it’s all hands to the pumps to repel the Tory and lying Lib Dem
scum. People have enough encouragement to vote for fringe nutters
like UKIP but use them in the same sentence as the Greens, who have
some merit,is disgraceful. I will get back to attack mode come the
weekend,particularly if we don’t do well enough!
jack johnson (@jackjoh01219520)
02/05/2013 at 10:52 AM
Thanks, Mike and while I am somewhat torn between a possibly more effective vote for Labour and a vote for an alternative fringe party (I don’t view my choice as a protest vote- I’ll explain shortly) I have, due to their policies- and lack of in some areas- found myself unable, in conscience to vote for the Labour Party in its current incarnation.
I am first and foremost a socialist and Labour is showing, so far as I am concerned, no such leanings. Rather, they are showing a capitalist, trickle-down agenda which 250+ years of capitalism has shown us doesn’t work except for wealthy capitalists.
As for why I do not see my vote for a fringe party as a ‘protest’ that is because I do not go out to vote with a ‘let’s stick it to ‘em’ agenda. I see what Labour are saying, do not agree and look for an alternative candidate that is saying something closer to my own ideals and philosophy. If there is no alternative, then I do reluctantly vote Labour as the best alternative to the Tories or UKIP! This is voting with my conscience, not to protest, something I believe we should all do.
Certainly, do not sit at home and hope for change; go out and be part of the change process through the ballot box.
Smiling Carcass
03/05/2013 at 10:29 AM
Your concerns about Labour are reflected across the country, I think. My attitude, expressed on this site, has been to seek change from within – we need to choose candidates who will NOT follow the capitalist, trickle-down agenda you highlight.
It’s to be hoped that Labour will take the right message from the election results that are coming in – that UKIP has become the vessel for protest votes from all ends of the political spectrum – and realise it needs to regain its identity and start speaking for the whole country again. We can’t have a ‘One Nation’ Labour if it’s just a slogan.
Mike Sivier
03/05/2013 at 10:45 AM
I am and have always been a labour supporter, however since 2010 I have been coming discorded with there policy, stance and sell out on many votes so this time my vote will be a protest vote and not with ukip as they are just as bad if not worse so ill be voting Green in the hope others do to and makes labour think.
leonc1963
02/05/2013 at 10:26 AM
Reblogged this on Diary of an SAH Stroke Survivor.
leonc1963
02/05/2013 at 10:26 AM
Thanks for reblogging.
Smiling Carcass
15/05/2013 at 3:36 AM
Right the election in the Bedhampton and Leigh Park Ward should be declared Null and Void because one Christopher Gould registered and is on the ballot as an Independent he is none of the sort and is in fact a member of BNP.
My son was going to vote for him today thinking he was independent until I said check him out first which was when my son found this:
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/confusion-as-bnp-candidates-fail-to-declare-their-party-1-5046684
leonc1963
02/05/2013 at 12:27 PM
i used to agree with this but when all the parties are rght wing self serving parties then i choose not to vote.
frank
02/05/2013 at 2:47 PM
Frank, the Green, while ridiculed have some very good left-wing policies besides their ecological philosophy. Look for independents; anything to use your vote.
Smiling Carcass
14/05/2013 at 6:20 PM