Suggestions: Good candidate overview sites?
Politics 06/01/2004 |A conversation this morning…
D: i have a question Me: i’ve got an answer let’s see if they match D: part of my reluctance to vote or even spend the time educating myself in preparation to vote is my assumption that the election comes down to the electoral college, thus making the public vote essentially worthless. true or false? Me: there were times when I’d have agreed — I’m no big fan of the electoral college system — but if nothing else, the 2000 situation in Florida should (to me, at least) make it clear that the public vote _does_ count…it’s what determines who gets the electoral votes, after all D: ok, so tell me how the public vote affectes the electoral process Me: lol this always makes my brain hurt…but I’ll give it a shot D: hheheh Me: each state has X number of electoral votes, determined by population the popular vote determines how the electoral votes are cast if the majority of a state votes Dem, the electoral votes are cast for the Dem nominee (which is one of the reasons I’m not a fan - I’d prefer it if the electoral votes were split roughly by how the popular vote went…so, if a state voted 2/3 Rep and 1/3 Dem, the electoral votes would also be 2/3 Rep and 1/3 Dem, rather than all Rep) D: ahh Me: some states might split the electoral votes already, in fact - I _think_ some do, but i’m not entirely sure It’s a goofy system, but it’s the one we’ve got and sitting it out…well, no personal offense, but I have _no_ respect for people who voluntarily give up their right to have a say - my feeling has always been that if you don’t vote, you’ve got no right to bitch about the outcome D: oh, i agree. while i might (and sometimes do) complain about how bush is an idiot, i have no right to do so since i didn’t vote for or against him Me: lol (though I do like that you _do_ bitch — means there’s more of a chance of your voting against him come november (which you should (dammit (grin)))) lol D: LOL Me: was that enough parenthesis? D: very nice Me: ty if you’re _really_ bored, I could look up some of my old soapbox rants about voting lol i grew up in Alaska, where in many very real ways, my vote _didn’t_ count never stopped me, though D: perhaps one day i’ll get informed and vote maybe even this year w’ll see Me: you should D: i know i don’t want bush in office again, but i don’t want to vote for just anyone, either if you can find me a site that lays it all out in a clear, concise manner, i’ll read through it all and see if i can’t decide which person i feel would do the best job in office Me: hmmm…not sure if there’s any one particular site…i’ll see what i can come up with, though D:
Me: actually, mind if I blog this? D: nope Me: might be the easiest way…put out a call for suggestions
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p>So, folks. Any suggestions for my friend?
[See also: Electoral Map | I just don’t get it. | Two digits, thousands of votes | Electronic voting problems | Get involved! ]
8 Responses to “Suggestions: Good candidate overview sites?”
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fpz
Gavriel
medhat abbas
Ryan Waddell
Sponge Bob
June 1st, 2004 at 12:20 pm
On the subject of the electoral college, this article (http://mikemiller.net/math_against_tyranny.html) was really quite informative. I’m a little confused as to what ‘suggestion’ your friend is looking for but for understanding the reasons behind the electoral college, this made a huge difference for me.
June 1st, 2004 at 12:30 pm
You could also point out that there are over a dozen other races on the ballot in WA besides President! And no electoral college for those. Who the next Governor is affects our own lives as much, if not more, than who the President is.
I just don’t understand people who act like there’s only one race every four years. There are half a dozen elections every year (not in every district, but everyone has at least 2+ elections a year they can vote in), for dozens of positions and ballot issues.
June 1st, 2004 at 12:55 pm
Just a comment…. I was under the impression that the 2000 election showed that your vote DIDN’T count. The guy with less votes won, and (if you believe everything you read) hundreds if not thousands of votes were ignored (if you had a name or birthday similar to a criminal, if you were black, etc) or counted when they shouldn’t have (absentee ballots filed after the deadline).
Glad I’m up here safe with the moose and maple syrup
June 1st, 2004 at 1:33 pm
I’d actually argue that that would show exactly why it is important (though also, admittedly, showing just how screwed up our election process can be if handled badly). Even with the final outcome being as questionable as it was (is), the mere fact that the race was that close and unable to be called definitively for so long shows me that every vote does count.
June 1st, 2004 at 2:04 pm
here is a pretty okay one, it at least gives clear stances differentiating the two candidates’ platforms:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4448630/
i do think it is justifiable to vote against bush as opposed to for kerry or nader or whomever. If someone was running your business into the ground, you’d fire them, wouldn’t you? And you’d fire them before you proceeded with a hiring process. That’s a little different than an election, but try thinking of it this way:
FIRE? 1. Based on job performance, would you rehire Bush & company today to run your country for another four years?
HIRE? 2. If NO, you are now given two (plus) other candidates to run your country. Which of these candidates would you choose?
In that instance, I think your comments show that you would probably fire Bush. Now you just need to learn more about the candidates and decide who you would hire instead.
Good luck D!
June 1st, 2004 at 7:01 pm
Just to split hairs for a sec -
A state’s electoral votes are equal to its number of US representatives and senators. It is the based on population post facto since the House is reshaped after each census every 10 years.
The electoral college argument to me is always a dodge. The better question to ask is, “OK so you don’t vote, fine. Why isn’t the necessity of voting self evident to you?” Start slow and ask about school bonds or the city council. Make sure you go full blown Socratic on their ass too. Afterall this is your friend’s moment of discovery.
June 2nd, 2004 at 9:28 am
Rather than getting on your friends’ asses about their lack of participation in the democratic process (which i think we’re all pretty cynical about at this point between electionappointment2000 and the diebold dramas) I think it’s more effective and encouraging to do what Michael is asking - give constructive pointers and direct them to places they can find more information. Inspire them to participate and make a difference.
Because honestly, ‘rubbing someone’s nose in it’ usually isn’t very encouraging or inclusive.
June 3rd, 2004 at 11:19 am
He might want to check this out. The League of Women Voters has a pretty good history of providing voter information. Might also want to remind him that you guys appear to have a heck of a lot of other races up in November, too.