Naturally, if you’re already voting consistently in the primaries, then you are not in the target audience for my comment… More people voting for a different candidate resulting in the other candidate winning isn’t really an example of the process not working. Keep fighting for a ballot initiative for ranked choice or approval voting, but don’t stop voting in primaries and elections just because the result isn’t what you wanted. Your presence in the process is a matter of public record and it tells every campaign that if they don’t attempt to win your vote then you’re a potential vote for someone else.
Because turnout in the primaries sucks, especially among the demographics more likely to vote for a progressive than a centrist or neolib. Because the donor class and the people in power want you to feel like voting is useless. The fewer people there are coming out to vote, the less resources they need to spend to win an election, and the less they need to do in office to hold onto it. Keep on voting, and nag everyone you know to keep voting.
I’m in a gerrymandered district in a very low-turnout state. So I have at times had to vote in the Republican primary to try and keep the ultra-crazy off the general election ballot. Sucks but it’s better than silencing my own voice by not voting. Even turning in a ballot without a selection is better than fully not voting, because it proves you’re engaged in the process. When they know you’re engaged, they know there’s a chance at getting your vote.
The primaries are where you vote with your heart for the party you want. The general is pretty much always a strategic vote against the who you really don’t want to win. Granted, that requires more than one candidate running for the nomination, and if nobody steps up for it you’re kinda stuck. That’s what David Hogg’s plan is about. Funding progressive primary challenges in Dem-safe districts where the incumbent is asleep at the wheel. If that describes your situation, maybe write to Leaders We Deserve to get them to take a look at your district.
Naturally, if you’re already voting consistently in the primaries, then you are not in the target audience for my comment… More people voting for a different candidate resulting in the other candidate winning isn’t really an example of the process not working. Keep fighting for a ballot initiative for ranked choice or approval voting, but don’t stop voting in primaries and elections just because the result isn’t what you wanted. Your presence in the process is a matter of public record and it tells every campaign that if they don’t attempt to win your vote then you’re a potential vote for someone else.
Okay then why does it feel like I’m ignored and voting is useless?
Because turnout in the primaries sucks, especially among the demographics more likely to vote for a progressive than a centrist or neolib. Because the donor class and the people in power want you to feel like voting is useless. The fewer people there are coming out to vote, the less resources they need to spend to win an election, and the less they need to do in office to hold onto it. Keep on voting, and nag everyone you know to keep voting.
This would imply I know anyone whose vote wouldn’t probably be against my goals.
I’m in a gerrymandered district in a very low-turnout state. So I have at times had to vote in the Republican primary to try and keep the ultra-crazy off the general election ballot. Sucks but it’s better than silencing my own voice by not voting. Even turning in a ballot without a selection is better than fully not voting, because it proves you’re engaged in the process. When they know you’re engaged, they know there’s a chance at getting your vote.
They know I vote every time, and I vote blue no matter who.
Why should they care what I think if I’m not willing to not vote for them?
The primaries are where you vote with your heart for the party you want. The general is pretty much always a strategic vote against the who you really don’t want to win. Granted, that requires more than one candidate running for the nomination, and if nobody steps up for it you’re kinda stuck. That’s what David Hogg’s plan is about. Funding progressive primary challenges in Dem-safe districts where the incumbent is asleep at the wheel. If that describes your situation, maybe write to Leaders We Deserve to get them to take a look at your district.
Oh wow that’s not something that’s been tried a bunch of times before and has failed every single one.