Still new here and trying to figure things out. Regarding voting, I’d like to get some feedback on some thoughts I’ve had.
I get that voting D/R is pointless since Ds just seatwarm for Rs at best, and actively implement R policies at worst. They have no incentive to work for left policies, and R policies will ultimately benefit them personally.
That being said, we’re “punished” for not voting D by getting an actual insane R in office. If Rs are in control its way worse, right? or, maybe it has to get worse to get better?
So what is the dominant strategy here for National elections? My personal vote is extremely minor and unimportant so keeping that in mind, I can:
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not vote - Lower participation rate shows I don’t endorse the system, and if enough people don’t vote, does it mean anything?
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vote third party - I like this idea since, although super unlikely, it gives more pressure to D and R to moderate (lol) as neither want to lose power. Write in votes aren’t going to turn in to anything big without some serious organizing, but I don’t know if there’s ever been a serious attempt to organize a mass write in campaign? Or if there will even be a viable third party candidate in 2024?
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vote D - 🤮
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Something else?
I haven’t seen this discussed much in the short time I’ve been here so maybe I’m missing something obvious or misunderstanding something above, so would appreciate any help. Maybe the real answer is it really doesn’t matter, but would like to make the best limited choice I can
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Since you’re asking specifically about national elections, I’d say overall it doesn’t matter. If you live in one of the few states (counties really) that actually decide the presidential election, then voting strategically for Dems makes sense, if it seems like harm reduction to you. I think the same argument goes for a senate seat or even congress that has a chance to be a toss up.
I think a lot of us overthink engaging in electoral politics because most of us were libs and therefore thought electoral politics is important, or have an over inflated sense of the importance of our own individual vote. The truth is as an individual, you might as well be asking, should i shout the name of candidate x into the void, or just forget about it. Our votes only matter as part of a group, an organization, or a movement
I think you’re right, I might be overthinking it and the
brainwashing is a bit hard to silence.Our votes only matter as part of a group, an organization, or a movement
Are there any of these that you’re aware of? I just know of R and D really. Is there even a viable alternative?
No viable electoral alternative nationally. But if you’re specifically interested in voting, you should shift your focus locally. You may want to check out DSA. They sometimes back candidates or even run members
if you’re in a district or state that is securely for one party or the other you can literally vote however you want because it doesn’t matter
electoralism strategy maybe only matters for people in states with competitive races
One of the perks of living in a +22D district is I can vote for what I actually want and at worst end up with a lib.
You hold your nose and vote for the D.
Then you go out and work for good candidates in the D primaries.
Third party candidates only help the GOP. Anderson in 1980, and Nader in 2000. The GOP was pouring money to the Greens and Libertarians in 2016.
Lol real “the Democrats cannot fail, they can only be failed” energy here. If the dems were serous about appealing to left voters they could adopt leftist policies, but every election they instead put all their energy into browbeating the left for not voting for some centrist dipshit hard enough.
Lol never again. Dems are worse than worthless. If you want people to vote for you, give us something to vote for
Rather hold my D and vote for my nose (as a write-in)
If third party voters keep costing Dems elections, then maybe they should try doing something to win us over lol.
Nader in 2000
lol, imagine still whining about Nader and not realizing 2000 was a stolen election.
if I have to hold my nose, why am I doing it? shouldn’t they be responsive to their voters? or perhaps the party only exists to funnel energy away from the popular left… hmmmmmmmm
