What influences your vote...?

**HappyHammer** · 12th September 2007, 11:01 AM

DISCLAIMER: I understand politics is not to be discussed and I'm not asking for political preferences just what influences the way people vote which is more of a human nature question.

I just read this in the SMH and I thought it was interesting and wondered what influenced the way people vote.

"Voters don't experience the economy in terms of national indicators or treasury statistics," he says.
Good point. The figures politicians, economists and commentators quote to summarise the state of the macro economy - figures for economic growth, unemployment, inflation and real wage growth - don't mean much to most people. They judge the state of the economy by the state of their own affairs.
And here's another good point. Luntz says voters "see the economy through the lens of cost of living: how much it costs to own a home, rent an apartment, buy groceries and fill up at the petrol station".

I must admit that for me it has generally been whats likely to be in my best interest financially, lower income tax, employment opportunities. Since moving to the country my perspective hasn't changed but my focus is less on having more and more on the security of what I have due to living in a smaller community with less opportunities than the big smoke.

HH.

**Gingermick** · 12th September 2007, 11:10 AM

My years spent being an exploited dole buldger.

**bitingmidge** · 12th September 2007, 11:31 AM

Kevin07 knows only too well.

That's how he's going to reduce greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of fossil fuel we use, AND make petrol cheaper!

I'll vote for whoever Mel and Kochie reckon are OK.

P

**BazzaDLB** · 12th September 2007, 12:37 PM

I'll vote along party lines for the one who best provide for the future of our past and serving veterans.

Strange how the second major party has now committed to index T&PI and other veteran 'entitlements' to the higher of CPI or MTAWE after the first party committed to doing it.

Up until now they would not have a bar of it - I guess they need our vote after all!!!

**Sebastiaan56** · 12th September 2007, 01:20 PM

I'll vote for the one that is going to do the least damage. The one that will use the military responsibly (not for an oil grab), that will look after environment and endangered species, that looks further out than one electoral cycle and doesnt rely on spin but responsible policy.

When I find a party like that I'll let you know, until then "expletive deleted" will appear on my ballot

**pawnhead** · 12th September 2007, 02:44 PM

There's only two things that are certain (death and taxes), and there are only two things that you have to do in this country. Vote, and fill out a census. You don't even have to pay taxes if you live as a hermit in a cave eating witchetty grubs.

I can see the reasoning behind a census, but you shouldn't have to vote if you don't want to. If you don't care enough to, then the people who do care carry more influence which is the way that it should be.

It's true, especially in my case, that your vote makes no difference. I'm in a blue ribbon Liberal seat and I'm damned if I'm going to waste my time going to the polls. I'm tempted to write on my letter of explanation that I just couldn't be bothered, but I don't want a fine, so I'll just make up some BS like I always do.

Call me a deadbeat if you want.

I suspect that this will be a long thread.

**SPIRIT** · 12th September 2007, 03:18 PM

someone that will keep us out of wars
spend real money teaching our kid and looking after our old

**Rossluck** · 12th September 2007, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sebastiaan56

I'll vote for the one that is going to do the least damage. The one that will use the military responsibly (not for an oil grab), that will look after environment and endangered species, that looks further out than one electoral cycle and doesnt rely on spin but responsible policy.

When I find a party like that I'll let you know, until then "expletive deleted" will appear on my ballot

Sebastiaan, I want what you're smoking. I agree, but we are stuck with a two party system, so you should maybe look to the Greens and then trust that they'll send the preferences the right way.

What I'm influenced by, in addition to what Sebastiaan said, is that the party I'm voting for doesn't have the "born to rule" private school boys club mentality. (damn, now I've gone too far, sorry)

.You did.

**Andy Mac** · 12th September 2007, 05:00 PM

I'll vote for the one without a proven track record of lying, deceit, broken promises and general political manouvering.

**bitingmidge** · 12th September 2007, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by Andy Mac

I'll vote for the one without a proven track record of lying, deceit, broken promises and general political manouvering.

I'm not a member of the CWA, so I don't have to vote.

P

**fred.n** · 12th September 2007, 05:25 PM

first party to hand me some polictical carp, dosen't get my vote
it then goes in decending order till I get in the door!
whoevers left......wins

**Big Shed** · 12th September 2007, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by Andy Mac

I'll vote for the one without a proven track record of lying, deceit, broken promises and general political manouvering.

So you're not voting this year then?

**Baz** · 12th September 2007, 05:36 PM

Don't vote! it only encourages the bastards.
Cheers
Barry

**Andy Mac** · 12th September 2007, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Big Shed

So you're not voting this year then?

Prolly right there, just some folk just seem to think they can do it all so blatantly and we don't realise or care or something. ...

**Brown Dog** · 12th September 2007, 07:44 PM

It's true, especially in my case, that your vote makes no difference. I'm in a blue ribbon Liberal seat and I'm damned if I'm going to waste my time going to the polls.

Im in the same situation as Pawnhead....my vote means stuff all. I live in a seat that requires one of the largest swings in the state to change the sitting member.

But seeing as I have to vote...I always follow a piece of advice my old man (who worked with politicians face to face every day until he retired) gave me.....always vote for the party in opposition

.

cheers
BD

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