Jseal,

I would consider myself a well informed and thinking voter. I have generally voted for one party because they more represent my views on major issues than the the other side of the political fence.

Once in the senate there was a particular candidate endorsed by the party I follow, whom I detested. I think there were 27 candidates and I made sure I voted for the lot so I could put him last LOL. BTW he wasn't elected

I had a lot of satifaction being able to express my disapproval that way.

There are sure to be just as well informed and thinking voters who have opposite views to mine so it is best to get the most representative vote that you can so that you do get a majority view.

It is a terrible shame that people are too lazy, disinterested or whatever to vote. Had Hitler and Japan been allowed to overcome the world you wouldn't be allowed to vote. All those millions of people died fighting to let us be free and such is the apathy that a majority of Americans choose not to.

Let it be said that were it not compulsary in Australia, the same would happen. hitting the citizens in the hip pocket nerve is far more efective than any other method it seems.