Vote Pairing

**WebHead** · September 23rd, 2004, 01:12 AM

There is this process that happens that is starting to gain popularity called, "Vote Pairing". It's not a new process, but people are starting to consider it more this year. Basically the way it works is for people to swap votes. For instance, if I live in California and it is projected that Kerry will win this state, and I team up with someone in another state where Nader is on the ballot and it is very likely that a vote for Nader will give Bush an advantage,... then I can swap votes with this person. In other words, since Cali is already going to win Kerry anyway, I will vote for Nader and my team-mate will vote for Kerry. That way in the swing state, a vote for Nader ends up being an advantage for Kerry.

This sounds good in theory. The legality of it is being questioned though.

**Jediab** · September 23rd, 2004, 05:56 AM

I am far from an expert on Law in these matters, but I do not see why this would be illegal. I imagine that all that matters is that you vote only once in your district.

Who you vote for and why is private anyways. But like I said, I am far from an expert.

**Wayward Clam** · September 23rd, 2004, 06:07 AM

Why would it be illegal?

Hmmm... any of you Republicans want to swap votes with me? I'll vote for Bush up here, and you can vote for the NDP down there...

**Ya_know** · September 23rd, 2004, 07:04 AM

Sounds about as much fun as wife swaping, and getting stuck with a fat pig that snores...

**Wayward Clam** · September 23rd, 2004, 07:27 AM

So sorry to hear that experiment didn't work out for you, Ya_Know

**Ya_know** · September 23rd, 2004, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Wayward Clam

So sorry to hear that experiment didn't work out for you, Ya_Know

I've never participated. My wife watched one of the shows, and I was forced to watch it with her...

**thirdfey** · September 23rd, 2004, 07:56 AM

Ok, I'm trying to figure this out, someone help me. You're telling me someone would push the button for the candidate they don't want in office so your candidate can win and their candidate loses somewhere else?

**thirdfey** · September 23rd, 2004, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by Ya_know

I've never participated. My wife watched one of the shows, and I was forced to watch it with her...

Have her watch the Dave Chappelle version of spouse swapping. Very entertaining if I do say so myself.

**Ya_know** · September 23rd, 2004, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by thirdfey

Ok, I'm trying to figure this out, someone help me. You're telling me someone would push the button for the candidate they don't want in office so your candidate can win and their candidate loses somewhere else?

It definately sounds like liberal thinking...

**thirdfey** · September 23rd, 2004, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by Ya_know

It definately sounds like liberal thinking...

Maybe I can put my vote on eBay. I'll vote for Kerry in a state bush won last time for the highest bidder.

**Ya_know** · September 23rd, 2004, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by thirdfey

Maybe I can put my vote on eBay. I'll vote for Kerry in a state bush won last time for the highest bidder.

I've sold my vote twice already, and got another sale pending...I love democracy!

**WebHead** · September 23rd, 2004, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by thirdfey

Ok, I'm trying to figure this out, someone help me. You're telling me someone would push the button for the candidate they don't want in office so your candidate can win and their candidate loses somewhere else?

Right. The reasoning behind is that they know Nader won't win anyway, but at least he still gets the original intended vote AND there will not be an advantage for Bush. This way the election is still mainly between Kerry and Bush, but yet Nader, etc. can still get their votes. The reason this works is because California has 55 electorals. We can afford to give up some Nader votes to help out our green party neighbors. In return, they help us get the democratic votes we need in the swing states. Works out for everyone this way.

**Zil** · September 23rd, 2004, 12:04 PM

So how does it feel to know that your vote in California is really less valuable than someone in Pennsylvania or Florida?

**thirdfey** · September 23rd, 2004, 12:18 PM

All votes are equal Zil, simma down now.

Personally, its not illegal but I just view this as cheapening the power of the vote. I can't explain it, but that's just my gut reaction and I'm not gonna stop you from doing it because you're free to do as you plz with that vote.

**Zil** · September 23rd, 2004, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by thirdfey

All votes are equal Zil, simma down now.

Personally, its not illegal but I just view this as cheapening the power of the vote. I can't explain it, but that's just my gut reaction and I'm not gonna stop you from doing it because you're free to do as you plz with that vote.

Yes, I know, I was trying some good-ol'-fashioned thirdfey-patented pot-stirring.