Should the ignorant be given a vote?

[B. de Corbin]

As a quick response to the question:

Yes because votes are about opinion - an opinion on who is most likely to do right by 'me.' Even those who may seem likely to be ignorant can be scarily articulate and shrewd when it comes to what is good for them.

Case in point.



This said by a guy with a disability, a low income and low education. A marginalised person for sure and someone who the majority would definitely be prejudiced enough to label as ignorant at first glance.

Ignorance also has a point of view and just because the education is not there doesn't mean it's wrong.

Good, I'd say, quick response, and an excellent example.

People can make choices for their own best self interest - an interest that can be pushed aside by those who may decide that the self interest of others isn't worth considering.

This is much like the point that Tylluan Penry was making, I believe.

[anunitu]

Though this is kind of a joke,consider that if we allow an idiot to RUN for office,then that would seem to allow everyone to VOTE even if the people might at first seem to be less informed,BUT the people KNOW first hand just how stupid politicians can hurt them with bad decisions.

I vote we VOTE!!

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So,this is the new election poster.

[Medusa]

Serious question: For those who are unable to figure out how to register to vote, should other be allowed to register them? (not I'm blind, I can't see a form. But more like those with mental disabilities that do not have the ability to function in society). In essence can someone like the Rain Man dude vote? Or are we like hey, you are 18 and in a coma, but sure, lemme register you and vote for you.

[Denarius]

Hundreds of years ago the aristocracy were the ones that held the power to influence politics on a national scale. That has since transitioned to corporations and special interest groups... but it's still the same types of people: Politicians, old money, new money, and the people closest to them.

When things seem to go bad, everyone is quick to blame the unwashed masses... but they've rarely, if ever, had any actual say in how things are run. It's always been the rich and educated.

Does anyone actually believe that votes have anywhere near the amount of influence that donations and backroom deals do? The educated and informed are just as often, if not moreso, greedy and corrupt. I'd trust a farmer or mason more than a CEO or lawyer to have a better idea of how this country should be run, every single time.

So yes, the ignorant should be given a vote... and I'd even go further and say that we should get money out of politics entirely so that votes actually matter.

[Azvanna]

Serious question: For those who are unable to figure out how to register to vote, should other be allowed to register them? (not I'm blind, I can't see a form. But more like those with mental disabilities that do not have the ability to function in society). In essence can someone like the Rain Man dude vote? Or are we like hey, you are 18 and in a coma, but sure, lemme register you and vote for you.

Oo wow good debate question. It leads to the obvious that there is a gray area when it comes to capacity to vote. In Australia, everyone over the age of 18 has to register to vote, but people who are deemed by a medical practitioner to be

incapable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting

source qualify for exemption. So it leads to the question at what point does a medical practitioner make that call? I wonder how many elderly in my community with dementia there are who would have trouble getting to the polls let alone be able to keep up with current politics to make an informed decision.

I do agree with voting on someone's behalf in the way Power of Attorney might operate. Even if it is exploited, it's one vote. Barring some incredible case of collusion in a nursing home or something like that, I don't think it could have a huge affect on outcome.

[anunitu]

Kinda going with Denarius on the get the money out of politics. No one should be able to "Buy" an election,EVER...money is NOT a vote..and also no corporation is a living,breathing human being,EVER,even if a court says they are!!

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Just completely off topic:

Earth to humans:
Stop all your crazy stupid stuff,you are really harshing my mellow. I just did some really good acid rain,and am digging the bees buzzing,and the cats purring,and the wind singing.
One more stupid thing,and I am going to shake and bake all of you back to the stone age,you dig?

[Medusa]

Hundreds of years ago the aristocracy were the ones that held the power to influence politics on a national scale. That has since transitioned to corporations and special interest groups... but it's still the same types of people: Politicians, old money, new money, and the people closest to them.

When things seem to go bad, everyone is quick to blame the unwashed masses... but they've rarely, if ever, had any actual say in how things are run. It's always been the rich and educated.

Does anyone actually believe that votes have anywhere near the amount of influence that donations and backroom deals do? The educated and informed are just as often, if not moreso, greedy and corrupt. I'd trust a farmer or mason more than a CEO or lawyer to have a better idea of how this country should be run, every single time.

So yes, the ignorant should be given a vote... and I'd even go further and say that we should get money out of politics entirely so that votes actually matter.

NOT to bait you, but out of confusion and hoping you can clear this up. Do you believe farmers are ignorant? I mean they have to know some serious science behind their job. But I get your gist.

[Denarius]

Do you believe farmers are ignorant?

Of "the U.S. Constitution, local, national, and world events, and that kind of 'trivia.'" Not necessarily, but more likely than CEOs and lawyers.

[Medusa]

I don't think you know much about farming practices. Stop watching re-runs of Green Acres.

[anubisa]

As the saying goes, it's a free country. I know we have a bunch of ignorant people, but one of our rights is to vote. We can't take that away from some people and let others vote. It wouldn't be fair. As much as I would like to have people be more educated in the system and politics, we have to let it be. The founding fathers wouldn't want us to mess with it.