Shouldn't voters be informed before voting?
831155
I agree.  We do not need people voting who just "doing their civic duty".  It is more important to be an informed voter and know who you are helping put into office.
841445
I haven't heard about this specifically, but in theory, I agree- it would just bring in uninformed voters. We need voters who have opinions that need to be heard; the payoff of voting is having someone in office to do the job correctly and get things done, what's a better incentive to vote than that?
788094
People vote or don’t vote for a number of reasons.  Since I could first vote (1952) I have never missed an opportunity to vote (across three States), so obviously voting is important to me.  However, I would not apply the same to everyone.  Those who don’t vote simply make it easier for the rest of us to get our candidates and issues winning the vote.\n\nHowever, voting should not be the only rule of being proactive.  Do you (voters) know who is elected and appointed to positions in your own community.  Are you familiar with the budgets for the various jurisdictions?  Do you attend council meetings and county board of supervisor meetings?  Do you attend the work sessions for the various issues? \n\nIn opinion, voting is only part of the citizen’s responsibilities.  So if you are going to knock people for not voting, you should also knock voters who are not aware of what is going on in their own community.
812824
If people don't vote, they need to accept everyone else's decisions becuase that is why you have the right to vote.  You each have to exercise that right or you don't have anyone to blame but yourself.
1094293
Absolutely, if you do not vote then do not complain. You voice is through voting. Vote, work on campaigns, talk to your friends, if you have them, about your candidate, place signs in yard if Homeowners Association will allow. I worked on my 1st campaign when I was 15 yrs old & 35 yrs later I still try to support them. I hate stuffing enevolpes - always have. I study all the candidates & pick the one that will vote most closely to my beliefs. Then I try to trust & support them after voting for them.
972920
No! I don't want my future decided by a bunch of uninformed people who run in and punch Box A on every issue to get entered in the lottery. If you change the proposition so that you get entered only after sitting down and completing a form that requires you give a detailed explanation of each item on the ballot and what it means, to prove you know what you are voting for, I would go for it then because then it would give an true incentive for getting out more Informed voters.
817545
Because it's a right for us to see who were electing. Thanks to all those who fought for our right to vote, we can decide what to do. Voting means that you can control who you're voting for in the elections and if that representative does a lousy job, you can vote him/her out. Of course, it would be better if you had a field of options not like the average race where you have between 1 and 3 at the very least.
905791
Sometimes local or State laws are put to "referendum".  That means the voters have a direct relationship as to whether the law gets passed or not.  Otherwise the only thing you can do is write to your representatives and tell them how you feel about a particular law or issue and they vote to their conscience, perhaps taking the citizen's opinions into account.
299326
I vote, but I live in the U.S.  In my opinion voting is definitely important.  I also think that people that don't vote should not run their mouths about who is currently in office because had they taken the time to go vote they may have been able to sway the outcome of the election.
164909
Plenty is done for the people, including those  who do not vote. Even if an election result does not go the way I voted, I know that I had the opportunity to make my opinion known to those whom with I disagree. \nIt takes quite a bit of effort for anything to be placed on a ballot, people must support a candidate or issue and take proper steps to complete the process. If things that matter to you need voter approval, get out and volunteer with a group that supports your views, getting involved will give you a greater satisfaction with the political process. Your effort does matter and you can make a difference in your community,  good luck.
625640
I would tend to believe that people should be informed before exercising democratic rights, but given the multiple forms of media available, literacy does not necessarily determine information.\n\nHowever, requiring basic media literacy would be nice.  But then public officials would have a harder time spinning information and may actually have to start being honest.
957792
Lots of us DO!\nThose that don't mistakenly think their vote doesn't matter.\nOr they think registering is hard, or too "big-brother-ish"\nThey forget that voting is a PRIVILEGE that many countries do not offer!!!!
480993
No, because it doesn't matter if you do vote. Politicians do what they want not what they're elected for, and most voting systems don't allow proper representation.
130351
In what election?  You have to be more specific when you ask questions.  Remember that your question is read by people in every country of the world, so your local election isn't exactly common knowledge to everyone.
922323
I think you mean early voting.  They can only use exit polls to give you a feel for that.  Absentee votes are usually last after election day.
503202
General citizen is having a very specific right in this regard. What they have to do is stand up, elect good leaders who take decision as per public intentions and wish. If you sit in your house on election day and think that others wil vote for he person of your liking then you can just remain mute spectator of all this.
479716
Yes - I find the whole process fascinating.  I also believe that voting is an informed decision making process, so I keep up with local, state and national issues so I can make an informed decision.  How can a person complain about the state of things in their city, state and country if they are not well informed as to what is going on AND they don't vote!  If you don't exercise your right to vote, you shouldn't complain about the state of things.