# Anyone else going to register to vote just to get Bush out of office? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [July 6, 2003, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548 "2003-07-06T10:19:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Bill\_H](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a5b964/32.png) [@Bill\_H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_H)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/61 "2003-07-07T05:39:16Z")
Looks like you’re right, **ruadh** , and I apologize for my earlier comment. Of course, it also looks like you’re responsible for state and local taxes at your last place of residence too. [http://www.fvap.gov/legal.html#2](http://www.fvap.gov/legal.html#2) ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/62 "2003-07-07T05:42:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MsRobyn \* > \*\ ***ruadh** , if necessary, you can use my home address in Pennsylvania. > > My own voting has been spotty as of late, but I voted in every presidential election since 1992. It’s the state and local elections I have problems with. > > Robin \*\* **MsRobyn** , did you want me to correct your post by adding a smilie, showing that you were joking and had no intention of promoting voter fraud? ---
**Author:** ![lurker\_anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@lurker\_anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurker_anonymous)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/63 "2003-07-07T05:42:57Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by MrVisible \* **Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve never voted. Not once, despite having been of age to do so for over two decades now. I’ve got some reasons for it, but mostly it’s because I never cared much; I seem to be equally badly off no matter who’s in office.** No offense, but people who never care much are why we are where we are now. Have you ever heard something to the effect that we get the goverment that we deserve? You and I seem to be the same age; more power to you if you are just now feeling a sincere interest in politics. If your situation doesn’t change (your situation is bad no matter which political party is in the majority) for the better then IMHO you must become more proactive in your own life. I could go on. Just I feel as if I am on the verge of coming across as an asshole, and I don’t mean it that way. I also am being rude to come in here as a registered voter-you asked for unregistered voters in the thread. I did throw my whole state vote away last year to vote straight Libertarian L.A.🆒 ---
**Author:** ![j.c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/73ab20/32.png) [@j.c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j.c)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/64 "2003-07-07T05:43:56Z")
Go **Eve**! > [@](#): > > Maybe if all you folks hadn’t been so damned terrified of jury duty and had registered in the first place, we wouldn’t have this problem. Like **Mockingbird** , I’m stunned to find so many American non-voters. Hmmm. Haven’t I seen some of your usernames in political threads? **Otto** , yes “You have exactly as much right and responsibility to “complain” (or praise for that matter) the government whether you vote or not.” But don’t expect voters to respect your complaints or praise. If you wanna play with the big kids, follow all the rules. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/65 "2003-07-07T05:44:36Z")
I’m throwing this political debate into Great Debates. ---
**Author:** ![lurker\_anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@lurker\_anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurker_anonymous)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/66 "2003-07-07T05:45:06Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by MrVisible \* **Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve never voted. Not once, despite having been of age to do so for over two decades now. I’ve got some reasons for it, but mostly it’s because I never cared much; I seem to be equally badly off no matter who’s in office.** No offense, but people who never care much are why we are where we are now. Have you ever heard something to the effect that we get the goverment that we deserve? You and I seem to be the same age; more power to you if you are just now feeling a sincere interest in politics. If your situation doesn’t change (your situation is bad no matter which political party is in the majority) for the better then IMHO you must become more proactive in your own life. I could go on. Just I feel as if I am on the verge of coming across as an asshole, and I don’t mean it that way. I also am being rude to come in here as a registered voter-you asked for unregistered voters in the thread. I did throw my whole state vote away last year to vote straight Libertarian 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/67 "2003-07-07T05:47:20Z")
Yes yes I didn’t vote in 2000. Pick your excuse: [ul][li]I was only 19. I’ve matured much in the past few years.[/li][li]I was raised in Alabama.[/li][li]Although voting is an important democratic means of expressing constituent will, it is by no means the only. Conversely to popular rhetoric, one might say that if you are so uninterested as to not get involved 47 months out of 48, then you have no right presuming that your opinion is as important as one who is passionate about it. So if you don’t complain, you have no right voting.[/li][li]I would have voted third-party anyway.[/li][li]I’ll vote twice this time around to make up for it. (Just kidding, **Czarcasm**!)[/li][li]I’m a horrible, horrible person.[/li][/ul]So, with that out of the way, it looks like I can register to vote in either MA or AL. Which one will help “the cause” more? ---
**Author:** ![lurker\_anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@lurker\_anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurker_anonymous)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/68 "2003-07-07T06:04:38Z")
I was raised in Alabama, too. I vote. ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/69 "2003-07-07T06:06:22Z")
Yes, but you forgot what a horrible person I am. ---
**Author:** ![MrVisible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@MrVisible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrVisible)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/70 "2003-07-07T06:13:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lurker anonymous \* > No offense, but people who never care much are why we are where we are now. Have you ever heard something to the effect that we get the goverment that we deserve? No offense, but people who never care much make up almost half of the US population who are eligible to vote. According to the [Federal Election Commission](http://www.fec.gov/pages/2000turnout/reg&to00.htm), 51.3% of the Voting Age Population actually voted in the 2000 elections. Even excluding those not eligible to vote, such as convicted felons, that’s an enormous amount of people who don’t vote. These people are an enormous utapped political resource, and a politician who’s good enough to inspire them to register, or bad enough that people register to oust him, could have a remarkable effect on the nation. And I think the kind of finger-wagging that’s being done in this thread (Never voted? Shame on you!) is pretty counterproductive. If you want more people to vote, find ways to encourage them to do so. Casting aspersions may contribute to your own sense of moral superiority, but it won’t help get voters into the booths. There are various reasons for not voting, and I think going into them isn’t much use. I just find it fascinating that a lot of people who have never had the motivation to vote before are registering due to being appalled at the actions of the current President. I wonder how this is going to change the political landscape. **Czarcasm** , I apologize for the forum change becoming necessary; I had intended this as a simple poll, and was naive enough to believe that it could remain that way for long. ---
**Author:** ![lurker\_anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@lurker\_anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurker_anonymous)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/71 "2003-07-07T06:19:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Otto \* > \*\*Nonsense. You have exactly as much right and responsibility to “complain” (or praise for that matter) the government whether you vote or not. \*\* You have this luxury because we live in a Republic where society can vote and not fear retaliation. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/72 "2003-07-07T06:29:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MsRobyn \* > \*\ ***ruadh** , if necessary, you can use my home address in Pennsylvania. > > My own voting has been spotty as of late, but I voted in every presidential election since 1992. It’s the state and local elections I have problems with. > > Robin \*\* Um, Rob? It’s not that I don’t appreciate the sentiment, but getting convicted of voter fraud is not my idea of fun. Leavenworth may be a lovely place to see, but let’s keep it as a visit, OK? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/73 "2003-07-07T06:30:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Czarcasm \* > \*\ ***MsRobyn** , did you want me to correct your post by adding a smilie, showing that you were joking and had no intention of promoting voter fraud? \*\* I took care of it, **Czarcasm**. The rebuke of a husband trumps a moderator everytime. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/74 "2003-07-07T06:48:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mockingbird \* > \*\*I’m amazed so many haven’t been registered to vote or haven’t voted. > > Since I was 18, I made sure to vote, and consider it important. \*\* Same here. I was incredibly annoyed when I missed the presidential primaries by a few days when I turned 18. I was registered before I was 18 and a half, and I’ve voted ever since. What about local stuff, like taxes or roads or schools or libraries?Do you just not care? That’s mindboggling to me. BTW, I have only been called for jury duty once. In the state that I went to school in - never where I was registered to vote. ---
**Author:** ![lurker\_anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@lurker\_anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurker_anonymous)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/75 "2003-07-07T06:52:04Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by MrVisible \* \*\*No offense, but people who never care much make up almost half of the US population who are eligible to vote. According to the [Federal Election Commission](http://www.fec.gov/pages/2000turnout/reg&to00.htm), 51.3% of the Voting Age Population actually voted in the 2000 elections. Even excluding those not eligible to vote, such as convicted felons, that’s an enormous amount of people who don’t vote. \>\>\>\>\>\> And according to you, you have been part of that statistic for two decades. ( You said that you had not voted in that time in the opening post). \>\>\>\>\>\> These people are an enormous utapped political resource, and a politician who’s good enough to inspire them to register, or bad enough that people register to oust him, could have a remarkable effect on the nation. And I think the kind of finger-wagging that’s being done in this thread (Never voted? Shame on you!) is pretty counterproductive. If you want more people to vote, find ways to encourage them to do so. Casting aspersions may contribute to your own sense of moral superiority, but it won’t help get voters into the booths. \>\>\>\>\> Why do you imply that the mindset that is the catalyst for change come from an external source? If you want to be informed, why wait for someone else? YOU may be the man/woman. \>\>\>\>\> There are various reasons for not voting, and I think going into them isn’t much use. I just find it fascinating that a lot of people who have never had the motivation to vote before are registering due to being appalled at the actions of the current President. I wonder how this is going to change the political landscape. \>\>\>\>\> Isn’t much use, huh? But at least we have come full circle-you just want Bush out, big time.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Blalron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/35a633/32.png) [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/76 "2003-07-07T06:56:20Z")
> [@](#): > > No offense, but people who never care much make up almost half of the US population who are eligible to vote. The only thing that is neccesary for evil to thrive is for good people to do nothing. ---
**Author:** ![lurker\_anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@lurker\_anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurker_anonymous)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/77 "2003-07-07T07:21:13Z")
thank you for putting my thoughts in a nutshell, **Blalron** 😃 ---
**Author:** ![MrVisible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@MrVisible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrVisible)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/78 "2003-07-07T07:21:45Z")
If all you can do is natter on about how evil non-voters are, then you’re doing nothing to help increase turnout. So why do it? People here are saying that they’re going to register for the first time. What good does it do to scold them for not doing it before? Sheesh. ---
**Author:** ![Netbrian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71e660/32.png) [@Netbrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Netbrian)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/79 "2003-07-07T07:29:39Z")
I’m registered to vote, and will almost certainly vote for whomever the Democrats come up with. Of course, I probably would in most elections. Except Liberman. If that happens, I’ll vote Libertarian or whatever the whim strikes me to do. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2003, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548/80 "2003-07-07T07:29:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MrVisible \* > \*\*People here are saying that they’re going to register for the first time. What good does it do to scold them for not doing it before? Sheesh. \*\* Because the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Perhaps a little guilt trip will reinforce that intention to register and vote in the future. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-going-to-register-to-vote-just-to-get-bush-out-of-office/186548.md?page=5)