Do you vote?

[Gunther]

Too often people are voting just because they think they should, rather than because of an understanding of the issues and the candidates. People like that are easily manipulated by whatever media screams the loudest in their ear.

If I remember correctly, there were about 55 million of these types in the '12 election.

[MS256]

I used to vote most of the time. Now I guess I would say I never vote but would vote if I felt like an election might be close in my area and I had a reason to not want to see one of the candidates elected.

Just so happens that scenario hasn't come up in years.

I haven't had anything against any candidates for local positions and my vote in a presidential election is a waste of my time.

If I voted I would almost always vote for the most conservative candidate and that candidate is always going to win in this state anyway. If the presidential election was based on the popular vote count I would be the first in line to vote.

P.S. When I lived in Missouri I always voted because I never knew how that state was going to go.

[boogielicious]

Over the years I've come to know you to be intelligent and thoughtful, so this is NOT directed at you, but I hate when I hear this. Too often people are voting just because they think they should, rather than because of an understanding of the issues and the candidates. People like that are easily manipulated by whatever media screams the loudest in their ear.

Add ignorance to my other two aforementioned disqualifiers to voting.

That is part of my responsibility, to understand the issues, candidates and questions being asked.  All part of the package of being a good citizen.

[dsc123]

I don't vote during every local election, but I do vote in some, and in all the big ones (presidential, midterms).  I don't really view my current location as a "permanent" one, so I don't feel the same responsibility to vote in the locals, and perhaps its better to leave it to those more invested.

[newtogolf]

That is part of my responsibility, to understand the issues, candidates and questions being asked.  All part of the package of being a good citizen.

Exactly, pulling a lever is only half of the responsibility, the other half is being informed about the issues and making sure you select the person that best represents your views on how government should work.

[Yukari]

I get automatic mail-in ballot.

Saves time and hassle.