What is the answer D? And what would it do to the U.S. election process? It's actually quit simple. Any American who has gone to school and been subjected to a multiple choice test is more than familiar with the "Answer D". What answer D does is indicate to your teacher that you don't think answers A, B, and C are the correct answer thus you choose D... none of the above.
How many times have you listened to a Political debate or read about the candidates in the newspaper and thought "I don't really like any of these people"but then shown up to the polls on election day and voted for the "lesser of two evils". I must admit that there have been times when I have voted for someone not because I support them but because I don't want the other guy to win. And then, if my candidate does win, i only experience little bit of satisfaction because I didn't really like the guy or gal in the first place.
I was talking to one of my coworkers the other day and learned that he hadn't been to the polls in years. This surprised me because I consider this individual to be quite patriotic. I asked him why he hadn't voted and he told me, "Because there hasn't been anyone worth voting for".
This little conversation caused me to reflect upon how many people might consider their "no show" on election day as a vote. While I personally believe that it is important to vote on election day, I can see how someone might feel quite comfortable with choosing to not vote. I show up on election day to vote for someone, whether I like them or not, because I believe it give legitimacy to my Government and ultimately the Constitution. However, when there are lower turnouts on election day some legitimacy is lost. These "no voters" have ultimately cast a vote that has been felt.
I asked my coworker if he would vote if he knew that there would be a "none of the above" option on the ballot? He thought about it for a second and then said "ya, I would".
Now, I want to make it clear that I am not advocating such an option to be put on the Ballot. I think it is quite clear that would present several problems that might make our election system over complicated. I do think that there is some merit in this thought or concept that could be useful in discussion surrounding voter turnout. I also think it's.... well... fun to talk about it. I would love to hear any opinions or thoughts you might have regarding the subject.
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America the Bold
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