Is intentionally spoiling a ballot a legitimate political statement?

[rafterman]

or should you just pick who you think is the least worst candidate.

 

[westendman]

yes it is a legitimate political statement, I have workd as a scrutineer at a polling station and spoilt ballets are put in a separate pile and counted as such. It means that person made the effort and took the time to go to the polling station, just did not agree with the choices in their riding. Its better than giving up and not going, that says alot about a person.

 

[blackrock13]

yes it is a legitimate political statement, I have workd as a scrutineer at a polling station and spoilt ballets are put in a separate pile and counted as such. It means that person made the effort and took the time to go to the polling station, just did not agree with the choices in their riding. Its better than giving up and not going, that says alot about a person.

It's kind of a pyric victory as no one will know. i'm not sure they separate the various categories of spoiled ballots, errors, protest or just screwed up, but just bundle them up all together. You're the only one who'll know.

 

[Brill]

Vote for the least worst - in other words, the best candidate.

That's how it works, support improvement. If you don't, someone else is making the choice for you.

 

[Mervyn]

Nothing wrong with a spoiled ballot, if that is your intention. But I would rather spoil my ballot ( and election canada release the numbers of spoiled ballots) then vote for someone I didn't like and have that party recieve money for it.

 

[rld]

I don't see why not. At least you showed up and expressed your dissatisfaction with all the available candidates.

 

[fuji]

Of course it's a legitimate statement. Whether it is a statement anybody will HEAR is another thing. If there were an organized campaign to spoil the ballots and a significantly larger number than usual were spoiled I suppose that would be noticed and would be reported on.

If you want to make a stronger statement you can DECLINE your ballot. That's more work, there's some paperwork you can fill out, some forms. Declined ballots are reported separately from spoiled ones.

 

[red]

Nothing wrong with a spoiled ballot, if that is your intention. But I would rather spoil my ballot ( and election canada release the numbers of spoiled ballots) then vote for someone I didn't like and have that party recieve money for it.

spoiled ballots are included in the funding formula and split amongst the parties on a pro rata share of the popular vote

 

[blackrock13]

Yet is democratic politics not the art of the compromise, and therefore you hold your nose and choose the best one you can.

 

[oldjones]

Of course it's a legitimate statement. Whether it is a statement anybody will HEAR is another thing. If there were an organized campaign to spoil the ballots and a significantly larger number than usual were spoiled I suppose that would be noticed and would be reported on.

If you want to make a stronger statement you can DECLINE your ballot. That's more work, there's some paperwork you can fill out, some forms. Declined ballots are reported separately from spoiled ones.

When was the last time you read a post-election report that noted spolied or rejected ballots? BTW you can also accept a ballot but decline to mark it; that too gets counted at the end of the night. As you say, if you wait until the day to express your judgement, it's whether anyone will hear you. Whether you stay home in protest, or spoil your ballot, they're both foolish choices, because no one will know.

Better you should publicize your 'pox on you all' decision with a Green (or whoever) sign on your lawn and a vote for whovever you think most needs the $2 that goes with it.

 

[someone]

spoiled ballots are included in the funding formula and split amongst the parties on a pro rata share of the popular vote

Is this true or attempted humour on your part?