[andygrif]

Originally Posted by Graham

Until there is an option "none of the above" on the ballot paper, the only other option is not to vote.

I agree that a box saying that would be an extremely useful device for sending a message to some.

Originally Posted by Graham

Or possibly because some people have come to understand that your individual vote is worthless and whoever is in power is more likely than not going to do what the hell they like.

Well in my area, in the last council elections, there was a turnout of 27% (or thereabouts). Are you seriously telling me that 73% of the population could not collectively vote for someone else?

Originally Posted by Graham

And, as I mentioned above, unless there's a "none of the above" option, your only choice is to vote for another party (who probably don't represent what your views are anyway) or not to vote at all to show your dislike of the entire process.

You have the power to turn up and 'spoil' your ballot paper right now. Simply not bothering to show up (as did the majority of the country - bear in mind at the last general election people who voted were in the MINORITY) and then making excuses like 'oh they're all the same' etc etc is apathy on a stick.

And if the majority of people in the country are following your example of not voting because you don't like the options, then start your own party that 53% of country will vote for, that's democracy right?

Originally Posted by Graham

This, however, does *NOT* preclude the right to express your displeasure of the party in power.

I would disagree. If a store was selling faulty goods, you don't really have much say in it unless you buy one of the faulty ones. If we all lived by your rules, no-one would turn up to vote. If you want to live in a democracy then you have to take part in it.