Do Not Vote

[MonopolyOnReason]

The phrase “I don’t vote” has become one of the new unspeakable taboos
in our country. Even the worst among us would not suggest people pass
up the opportunity to have their voice heard. Endless numbers of
nameless heroes died just to bring you the right to vote. No matter
what irrational ways are used to pick a candidate, the more important
thing is apparently to vote. I don’t vote and I will tell you why.

I entirely reject the idea that by gathering a plurality or even a
majority of votes gives anyone rightful dominion over the choices I
can make as long as I do not infringe on the same rights of others.
It is as simple as that. If I voted, I would betray the principles by
which I live my life by attempting to visit the same coercion that I
deplore on others in the form of my favored candidate.

The practical argument that I hear most is that I should participate
in this farce because “as long as we have an unjust government, you
might as well endorse the lesser of two evils.” Since we are being
practical at the moment, the chance that my vote will tip an election
in either direction is less than the chance that I will be involved in
an auto accident on the way to the polls. From my point of view, even
if a reader gets angry about this post, I have already made more
impact than a single vote is worth.

The Rest > http://monopolyonreason.com/blog/?p=153