Why do you vote the way you vote?

[rah]

My usual trick is trying to determine who the least psycho is. They're all usually lying cheating scum. (there are rare exceptions)
But it usually comes down to who I think will look out for me. (yes silly)
But if minorities can vote for Democrats who promise to take my money and give it to them, I see no reason why I can't vote for Republicans who promise to let me keep more of my money. (yes I understand what promises are worth but I prefer to patronize the lie that benefits me)

And I firmly believe that most democrats could give a rats ass about minorities but have a firm grasp of the mathematics involved and are just concerned with staying in power.

[DaShi]

I'd vote for the party that was looking at the best interests of the country overall. Still waiting for that party...

[Elok]

At the federal level, your view (while cynical and depressing) is probably pretty accurate (I don't know the details in your district).

The same does not necessarily go for your state-level options.

-Arrian

Yeah, I probably should think about who's going to be state senator and such. A little late now, though. The MD governor's race is supposed to be in the bag for O'Malley.

[rah]

I'd vote for the party that was looking at the best interests of the country overall. Still waiting for that party...

Yes, ultimately that would be best and I could support that, but it's unlikely to happen in my lifetime.

[BeBMan]

I'd vote for the party that was looking at the best interests of the country overall. Still waiting for that party...

Socialism

[Lorizael]

Thanks !

It wasn't meant as an insult! Very few of us use our brains for anything, really. I mean, I have that long OP describing my thought processes, but when I get out of work and head to the polling place, I'm probably going to vote mostly D, and I'm probably going to do that, ultimately, because both of my parents are liberals and while I certainly have my own thoughts, those thoughts were obviously shaped by my childhood environment.

[Nikolai]

I vote on the party I vote for because there is no better alternative, and if I don't vote on anyone, that means in effect a vote to someone I like even less. It also means I have no right to complain when things go wrong, and that would be SUCH a pity.

[dannubis]

It wasn't meant as an insult! Very few of us use our brains for anything, really. I mean, I have that long OP describing my thought processes, but when I get out of work and head to the polling place, I'm probably going to vote mostly D, and I'm probably going to do that, ultimately, because both of my parents are liberals and while I certainly have my own thoughts, those thoughts were obviously shaped by my childhood environment.

None taken

[Jon Miller]

My mom doesn't vote, my father didn't do much either (although I was raised conservatively, in some ways, and my mother is a liberal, in some ways (she is a teacher...)).

My family has some democrats and some republicans. Most aren't active.

My church is also a mix of both.

I did go to a liberal college, and went to graduate school. So I guess me mostly voting democrat is to be expected?

JM
(I have voted for Republicans before.)

[Lorizael]

So I guess me mostly voting democrat is to be expected?

You're highly educated, so yes.

[rah]

While I try to know all the races, there are some that just don't get the time.
One thing I do for those races is look at the endorsements.
The Chicago Tribune is somewhat conservative and leans to endorse republicans.
The Chicago Sun Times is somewhat liberal and leans to endorse Democrats.
The Daily Herald is more independent.

If all three endorse the same candidate, it's usually a good thing.

[Arrian]

Newspaper endorsements? Really?

I'm always surprised that anyone pays any attention to those.

-Arrian

[Arrian]

Yeah, I probably should think about who's going to be state senator and such. A little late now, though. The MD governor's race is supposed to be in the bag for O'Malley.

A little late, but not absolutely too late. You could at least have a look at the issue positions the candidates have put out there and make a somewhat informed call.

But that takes a bit of effort...

-Arrian

[DaShi]

Socialism

No, it's nationalism. I want all Americans to be super wealthy at the expense of the rest of the world

[Felch]

I vote Libertarian whenever possible. Otherwise I vote anti-incumbent. I know that it won't make a difference, but it's a lot less risky than taking the Mossberg to Rockville or Annapolis or DC, and actually making a real difference in the world.