I've been spending the day listening in on the American election news - it's amazing how tense I feel, when I'm thousands of miles away and can have absolutely no impact on the overall decision. I'm really hoping things work out the way I envision would make the most difference; but who knows? I never trust my judgement when it comes to elections. Things swing way too easily. Heck, we've had Dubya for how long now?
I guess the thing that freaks me out the most is just how much influence American presidents have over the rest of the world. Yes, Australia may have its own political figures and procedures, but when push comes to shove, the power doesn't lie with us. The strength of the economy doesn't lie with us. We're all so closely tied to this election, I wish I was able to somehow contribute my own two cents on the matter.
Alas, we can't. And to be fair, I don't even understand how the election system works in the USA; it seems so long winded and complicated. (I can't believe voting is not compulsary!)
That's why I'm hoping that loads of people voted today, and voted smart.
Because, for a London-based Australian girl, your votes will make a whole lot of difference to my world too.
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14 comments:
I voted today for the first time... =)
I think before they make voting compulsory they need to make election day a national holiday. A lot of people don't vote primarily because they can't afford to wait in line and miss work for one, two, three or more hours.
And just out of curiosity, who do you want to win?
Scary how much influence it has on the world, hrm? I've always marveled at that.
And compulsory -- I go back and forth on this, but mostly, I'm glad it's NOT. If it was compulsory, I think you'd get an awful lot of very uneducated voting going on, especially by people who are easily swayed by who had the more convincing ad or flashiest presentation. You don't want a whole cloud of folks voting for someone simply because their multimedia was good or they spent the most money, and to be honest, we have a metric CRAPLOAD of stupid people in this country who would do exactly that. So, for now, while it might work for Australia, I think it'd be terrible for the USA.
That's not to say we don't get morons voting now -- but I think the numbers are lower.
I'm hopeful for this election, but my hopes have been dashed before, so that means nothing. The day is still completely up for grabs and, because of the electoral college, one person can be voted for most by the people yet lose the election. (gotta love this backwards system, eh?) So you never know.
You can help! Please send all of your positive thought to Barak Obama and encourage all of your friends to do the same. I truly believe in the power of positive energy and every little bit we get helps.
i voted! i even have the sticker to prove it! :)
I, too am hoping they voted and voted smart, but sadly, not all do on either score. Compulsory voting would actually be pretty awesome in some ways--make people actually express an opinion. This is supposed to be our biggest chance each year to express our voice to America, to make a difference, and sadly, most just don't. Especially as you're right--what we as a nation decide today will impact all the world for the next 4 years. That's an awesome, and scary, responsibility.
But you can bet that I voted, and I voted for change.
If the rest of the world would also vote for change (preferably my brand of change), I'd happily let you all add in your 2 cents worth.
Voting is really important to me too.
My stomach is in knots.
I can't wait for it to be over.
I voted honey! I HOPE that I can go to sleep happy.
Is voting compulsory in Australia??? It isn't in Germany either, but that's normal to me and I never questioned it. I am a bit worried as well, I hope the people of the US will make the right decision today/night.
Looks like I'll have to wait till tomorrow morning to find out who won. I have to get up in 6.5 hours for class already.
i live in the US and voted today but i couldn't even begin to explain to you how it all works, haha.
I'm with Katelin -- our system is broken and no one will pay the taxes to fix it! But I voted for who I think is the right choice. My fingers are crossed and I'm glued to the news. ACK!
Oh I agree, it is frustrating how the results will have such a huge impact worldwide, but we can't vote or have any say in it. I know it wouldn't be fair for us to decide when it comes to day to day matters, but it would still be nice if we had any control.
I'll be glad when it's over - oh wait, I think it is, there's results popping up everywhere. Hopefully this president will be better than the last.
I don't think compulsory voting would be beneficial in the US until 1. there's more education about the political system and 2. they improving the voting systems. And that's easier said than done. It'd be good though for the fact that billions of dollars get spent on the election campaigns. That money would be much better spent elsewhere.
And from what I know about the US election system, it's a first to the finish line type system. Here in Australia to be elected, you need a majority of votes, so 50% +1 pretty much. That's why we do the preferencial voting, so that after the first count if neither candidate has a majority, they go to the 2nd prefences and so forth until they do. In the US they only vote for who they want, and whoever has the most votes in the end wins. So just say Obama gets 45% of votes, McCain gets 38% and the other 17% vote for independents, Obama would win cos he has the most votes, even though 55% of the country would prefer someone else.
And that's enough political learning for today. YAY OBAMA! :D
That's okay, most people in the US don't understand our electoral system either.
I'm just glad it's all over as I'm so tired of hearing about both candidates that I don't really like either one.
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