[Solved] Who do I pick

Personally I would like to see a box on the voting slip for None of the above - so you can show you bothered to turn up but don't want to vote for any of the candidates - I'm sure if this was included and counted it would make interesting reading.

Personally, I don't see much value in turning up yet not voting for anyone. Whatever you think of the parties, we are incredibly privileged to have the right to vote. There's no one party that I agree with on all policies (or past action), but I will attempt to weigh up the differences and vote for the one I think will represent my values most closely. If there's really no-one who has values anywhere near yours, perhaps you should stand yourself 😯 Might be a bit late this time around, though!

If you stood, what would your manifesto say ❓

Personally, I don't see much value in turning up yet not voting for anyone.

None of the above is still a vote - it shows dissatisfaction with the parties on offer, the current system and allows a protest vote that doesn't involve voting for a party with more extreme views. I don't think any of the main parties are offering anything for me as a voter. However I agree that a vote is a privilege and as such would not allow myself to not take part - though at the moment I am only really voting for the lesser of 5 evils as opposed to voting for someone whose policies I believe in and who I feel could make a real difference to the country.

Currently MP's don't really represent the people voting for them they work for a central party with whips keeping them in line. Look at the recent digital economy bill where MP's admitted to voting yes to a bill they disagreed with. The whole thing is a bit of a con. I don't believe my MP actually cares about his constituency - after losing his seat elsewhere in the in the 97 election he moved to my area because it was a safe seat and was re elected at the next election. He came to my area to get his job back as an MP not to represent the area I live in. The fact that where I live is a safe seat means that my vote has no real weight in the outcome of the election - in fact most peoples votes won't, it will only be people living in certain areas - the same at most elections that will decide the outcome.

All three of the main parties are very similar - the only difference is who funds them, the unions, big business etc Very little difference in their promises and from what I can tell a large percentage of them have had their hands in the till for years. MPs living in London claiming for second homes so they could be close to the House of Commons (catch the tube like everyone else you lazy gits), MP's buying and selling property, swapping 2nd home status, having them done up then selling them and making thousands in the process at public expense, moat cleaning, duck houses - I could go on. Most of them are living on a gravy train and living a life most people can only dream of. Even when they were caught they never really put their hands up and admitted it - they blamed a flawed system basically their excuse was I knew it was wrong but did it because I thought I could get away with it - Don't blame me, blame the system.

Also our current PM wasn't even elected to run the country - he got his job through a deal made with the last PM. The two cushiest jobs in the country at the moment seem to be either an MP or an investment banker.

There are some good MP's who seem to stick to their beliefs and work for the good of their area - the first that springs to mind is Diane Abbott but something seems to happen to most of them when they get elected - I'm sure most start out wanting to represent the public and do some good but they seem to forget why they got into politics in the first place and who they are actually working for.

Now tell me to pick a party whose values represent mine.I still deserve to get a chance to have my voice heard and currently I'm shouting "None of the above" - but the only way my voice will be heard is if there is a little box to tick that says the same.

If you stood, what would your manifesto say

I asked a similar question in another post here

Sorry rant over

Blimey Babel u got some strong views 😆

That said I do kinda agree with some of your points - I think none of them would be a good choice on the voting form - may stop the BNP getting protest votes.

I think the country needs a new party in power - After two terms most begin to run out of ideas and loose direction. However not sure I trust the con party and, like you said, I'm afraid that If I vote Lib Dem we will end up with Brown again as the leader of a hung parliament.

I'm really finding the leaders debates interesting though. 😀

In a way, I like the idea of a hung parliament - the idea that any party in majority can whip it's members into a particular vote, even against the wishes of their constituents is abhorrent. A hung parliament means that there has to be co-operation to get things done. I suppose it all depends on how 'mature' the politicians are in practice.

I always used to vote Conservative, and more recently labour - but that change was because my local MP helped me a lot in a couple of matters. I'll probably stick with them this time (local MP is retiring) - I'd love Brown to go, but I really don't trust Cameron and still feel that LibDems would be protest vote at the moment and might let the Cons get the seat where I am at the moment.

Just wish that all MPs inspired me more than they do these days.

Wasnt there a film where you had to vote for "none of the above" sure it starred Richard Pryor cant remember what it was called

Wasnt there a film where you had to vote for "none of the above" sure it starred Richard Pryor cant remember what it was called

It's a good idea - I like the idea of compulsory voting as long as that was an option - that way people can register their objection, as opposed to not being bothered to vote.

Anyone seen some of these unusual candidates standing in the elections : BBC Report

There are a few standing under none of the above option mentioned by Babel.

If we do get a hung parliament do you think we will end up with a Labour/Lib dem coalition ?

The lib dems seem closer to labour in ideals than the Cons.

I heard that Nick Clegg said he could work with Labour but not if Brown was their leader. So could a Labour/Lib dem coalition result in a leadership election in the labour party and Clegg becoming PM ?

Whatever happens this could be one of the most interesting elections in decades. 😀

Really enjoyed "Bigot-gate" today - thought it was a really funny gaff. 😈 I don't think it will effect the way people vote - except for maybe Gillian Duffy. 😈 Very funny.