European Union Forums

[ThomasVRose]

During a discussion about the recent debates with an acquaintance, I learned that she was not a registered voter. This is someone in her mid 30's and also did a few years in the military. I was a bit turned off with continuing the conversation. Do you think a person who is unregistered to vote has a valid opinion and a right to discuss politics? Her excuse for not registering is that she's just not into politics. Valid or invalid excuse?

[WandaBAllen]

It is a waste of my time.

[DonaldJWalden]

They can have an opinion sure. but not a valid one. if someone is not registered to vote, and or does not vote, they have absolutely no room to complain.

[DonnaDErickson]

Not really, but I was once unregistered, and someone spoke to me...changed my mind, ya know?

[MichaelWRuiz]

Well, I'm less likely to take the political opinion of someone who's not registered to vote seriously, but maybe if you talk to her enough you can persuade her to go out and register.

[AliciaAMartinez]

Well, she has the right to an opinion, but to complain...no

[MaryAWright]

What is an unregistered voter?

If they aren't registered to vote, their political opinion does not matter. If they are buying lunch, its not an entire waste of time to listen to them rant about the condition of America.

BUT it isn't an entire waste of time to discuss the importance of voting with them. This would be a good place to point out that the condition of America they are crying about is because a small percentage of Americans are registered and of that small percentage an even smaller make it to the polls.

.

[NancyDStrauss]

I have no trouble at all.
After I discuss paychecks, the benefits of the FairTax, and the negatives of the socialist democrats, they usually get motivated.

[DonnaDErickson]

I think ,there is no dam excuse for not participating in this year election or registering to vote .I think they are lazy peoples who expect the politicians to do the right thing for them no matter who is elected to congress or the white house , it just don't work like that .It's very sad these peoples have no reason to complain

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

[FromtheMeadow]

Their opinion is valid and I would discuss their position with them. But I would also emphasize that an opinion means nothing unless you are willing to back it up with a vote.

[BenjaminRCarr]

no, not valid. dont be upset. just explain why you think its important people vote. then just hope for the best.

ps. just keep in mind that a lazy voter, one who doesnt do their own due diligence, is more dangerous then a non-voter.

so if you think she/he will be a lazy voter dont waste your energy

[JackSHansen]

So, if you are registered then somehow you become more knowledgeable and your views are more valid???...Seriously????

If she chooses not to vote then she chooses not to vote, that doesn't make her knowledge on issues less credible or valid then it does on those who do vote...I know plenty of people who registered to vote and they still know the same as they did before they registered...Osmosis doesn't' work here

[GreatLeader]

I agree, it is a waste of time. I find that very few people can have an intelligent discussion about political issues, and unregistered voters would be much more likely to fall into this group.