Should a person who does not pay attention to the issues or the candidates still vote?
969902
Interesting question.  Although voting is a right that should be enjoyed by every American citizen, it is also a responsibility.  In it's purest sense, voting carries with it a responsibility of the voting public to make decisions based on what the consensus believes to be in the best interest of society as a whole, rather than voting for who is most popular or whatever issue ensures the most benefits for the individual voter.  This might mean that you vote yourself higher taxes in order to improve road conditions or education, or it might mean you elect someone you don't personally like, who might be ugly, annoying, brash, or smell bad but whose policies would benefit the region more than any other.\n\nPeople who vote without understanding the issues can actually harm everyone else by voting for candidates or issues that might not be in the best interests of the populace.  If you don't know who you're voting for -- what they stand for, what they promise to accomplish, what kind of record they have -- you don't know if you're even voting for someone who is qualified for the job.  If you don't have any understanding of the issues behind a referendum on the ballot, you might vote for something ultimately harmful, or vote down something that might have done someone some good.  It's my belief that you shouldn't vote unless you go to the minimal effort of at least reading the voter's pamphlet to get the bare basics of the pros and cons of each decision.  Everyone who is eligible to vote should definitely get out and vote, but only after each person has done the homework necessary to make an educated, INFORMED choice.
867066
None of these....I think it would be irresponsible to vote according to just one or even all of these combined.  There's so much more to help a person decide.  Although, to alot of people these are the forefront.....  good luck.
344431
I personally would . On the other hand racism these days seems to be more hidden then ever . The people who make judgments on race are smart enough to stay politically correct in public . But in the anonymity of a voting booth ?\nIt would also depend on the agenda of the candidate . If they were vocal on Black issues they wouldn't stand a chance . For your info I am Caucasian.
511809
To me, I think that we should all be informed of all topics.  This keeps people from being as ignorant, and keeps conversations lively.  Not only that, but if you stay uninformed, then you let someone else make a decision for you.  If you choose not to know about a president, then you are either being narrow minded or letting someone else choose who will be our next president for you.  In the end, you should not have to decide.
207134
I guess if you don't care, you just don't vote. Like a lot of people on Election Day.
701475
Voting is important. It shows how stupid people keep electing greedy non-caring politicians in their districts so that they can have something to complain about.
78795
IMHO, it is not the candidates, age, sex, status, party affiliation, religion or anything else but where they PERSONALY stand on some certain key issues that I am interested in. If they are the candidate that most closely matches my beliefs/issue, then they get my vote.
579116
I vote every chance I get.  Voting is a privilege and should be exercised. I also research the issues beforehand so I am not voting just on the basis of the commercials put out by the candidates.
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.
754523
I agree they should have to show up for work. I have been to the State House in SC when I was in high school for a field trip and was shocked to see that no one on the floor was paying any attention. There were almost parties going on all over the place and people laughing it up but no one was paying attention. What is really sad is that if you look at how they voted on issues you will find that lots of them will not even bother to vote if it is a controversial issue so they can play both sides of the issue later ( I didn't vote for it  or I didn't vote against it).
962364
An interesting question and opinion!\n\nHowever, folk in mental hospitals usually cannot think for themselves!  Folk in jail are presumed to be criminals and thus, do not think for themselves!\n\nThe rest of your opinion is interesting and deserves more evaluation!  However, by law, they have not commited a crime!  Thus, they should be allowed to vote in an election!\n\nYes, their votes may be tainted, but aren't all of ours?  We want what is best for ourselves, the heck with the rest!  Since when do "we" consider the wellbeing of others?  Okay, now and then, some of us do!  But, all in all, we vote what is best for us, as we come first!\n\nCan you honestly disagree?\n\nJust MHO,\n\nHope this helps,\n\nThe Ol' Sasquatch Ü
873802
I believe what you call hot topics are real issues.  If I'm not able to agree with a politician on moral issues...then there is no way I am voting for him/her.  War and money are important issues, but I believe ending the murder of innocent humans, and preserving the family are extremely important issues as well.
775985
I believe people, Democrat or Republican, vote for a person on only ONE ISSUE, especially in recent elections around the country. A politician may state he will not vote for minimum wage, refuse to fix the Medicare disaster, and could care less about public schools, however, if that same person makes a stand against or for ONE ISSUE, then people will vote for that person.\n\nUnfortunately, that is how it is. Good luck with trying to change educational policies by going around him.
540046
Agree 100%. People who don't vote shouldn't complain. They had their chance to voice their opinion they same as everyone else by casting a vote. If they chose not to vote then they need to shut up!!!
536338
the only thing they care about is your vote, and they know most people are to dumb to look into if they did what they said.  then if any one checks into it, they always have a scape goat, it was not there fault it was the other party's fault.
807159
I agree. People who dont vote should keep their mouths shut.
1127991
I would suggest its boils down to apathy,detachment, failed expectation, or a combination of two or more of the three.\n\nApathy- Many people just don't care enough or find the issues the president may be involved in during his/her administration to be important enough for them to cast a vote,they would rather let the chips fall where they may.\n\nDetachment-Many people may feel so detached from politics in general or from the executive branch of government that they may feel separated or apart from any actual decision making processes that directly or indirectly affect them.\n\nFailed expectations-Many people have either encountered or have been influenced by others who allegedly encountered experiences where the Head of government at any level including national have failed to come through on their promises,or moved in some direction antithetical to the ones they indicated they would on given issues.Its a common interpretation that all politicians are liars and of course the president is at the top of the list.Many people do not subscribe to the notion that any single vote can make the difference.\n\nIt is my supposition that people in general have no idea what most of the actual issues are, or the positions the candidates have taken on them.It is my opinion that modern Americans have become jaded and self involved and detached from the concept of nationalism,except when it adversely effects their position or ideology.It is also my opinion that most people don't think their vote makes a difference, and there knowledge of our constitutionally created system of free democratic due process is limited at best.\n\nI agree with you,I do vote,I cherish the right to do so,and my expectations are high,I still believe that one vote can make the difference especially when the number of votes are declining.I guess you wanted non voters to answer this question but I just couldn't help myself, I hope it generates some reaction or response from non voters,at least we know they gave the subject on moment of thought,and that's probably more than they have in a long time.