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SilasTheSavage OP t1_ire9lgh wrote

Reposted this, because I had a question in the title. In this post I argue that there is not an obligation to vote, and that uninformed people should not vote. I do this by arguing from an analogy of building a hospital. I defend the analogy, and try to draw out implications of it.

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TheRoadsMustRoll t1_irje4ei wrote

>uninformed people should not vote.

you're setting aside Big Number Theory.

i.e. in the guessing game at a rural fair where contestants make guesses at the weight of a large bull most of the contestants have no sophistication in gauging the weight of the animal. if only a few contestants enter guesses the amalgam of entries ranges far from the actual weight. but if there are a lot of entries the range gets a lot closer and many guesses are within a few pounds of the actual weight.

in politics there are no right answers but if large groups of people weigh in they will at least be submitting the amalgam of their societal flavor to the pot. since they are unlikely to vote for a person they don't like their votes aren't just going to be random.

you're also setting aside the chance to learn and the opportunity to push political debates onto substantive grounds. i place my vote. my guy or gal does their thing. either i got ripped off or they represented me well. next time i'll remember that outcome and vote accordingly. politicians will also be reacting to the votes: people in their district liked "this" or "that" so maybe they'll focus on those things to win those votes. but if i don't vote and politicians never hear me then we'll all be leaves in the wind; ruled by elitists and despots.

imo.

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Mesapholis t1_irea4on wrote

The problem is, you can't tell that to uninformed people. They'll react insulted and feel attacked in their personal rights and vote possibly worse out of spite.

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SilasTheSavage OP t1_ireh4g9 wrote

I also say, in the conclusion, that it is up to the individual to judge.

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TheBlankestBoi t1_ireqg4u wrote

Have you considered that not everyone wants to build a hospital?

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