It has become in vogue within libertarian/anarcho-capitalist circles to proclaim that one's vote does not matter or is of no value because of the historical improbability of any individual vote determining the outcome. However, when determining whether or not to vote and for whom, one needs to evaluate this position a little bit more deeply. The prospective voter must consider, "What is my vote worth?"
The value of one's vote is subjective, so the answer to this question depends on the reference frame one takes in evaluating it. From the perspective of the outcome of local, state and federal government election results, your vote is statistically meaningless in all but very rare (usually local) circumstances. So the point is well taken that if your only goal is effecting the make up of government, you are money and time ahead to stay home on election day. However, when viewed from the perspective of the individual, the value of a vote takes on an entirely new dimension much greater than the spitting-in-the-ocean effect on the election outcome. To me, voting is an opportunity to express my opinion - usually dissatisfaction with the dominant parties and the political system in general. This election I will be casting my vote for Gary Johnson because he represents a radical improvement over past administrations and the republican and democratic nominees. I know little of local politics, so I may just write in obscenities. I like Ben Dover's position on the tough issues. This may be blasphemy for the statist, but it makes the trip worthwhile for me.
Related Post: The Not So Fundamental Right to Vote
With all due respect, I think a great deal many of them hold the position that voting is immoral, rather than that it is meaningless. I've been tempted to agree with them. I do think it has an impact though, but whether that impact is large or good depends.
ReplyDeleteI agree that many do hold that belief, and it is not one that I fundamentally disagree with. However, the point that I hear argued most often is that statistically one's vote doesn't matter. I hope I didn't portray the anti-vote viewpoint in too narrow a light; all I wanted to express is that the value of a vote is subjective and that no one can proclaim to another that his or her vote is "not worth it."
DeleteNo, I understood what you meant. I guess I never thought about applying the subjective theory of value to the ballot box. I think you were spot on.
DeleteThanks. I find that things a such fundamental truth apply more broadly than initially expected.
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