You'll probably be voting Democrat/Republican in 2008:

[JALU3]

Originally Posted by August

Unless you like letting someone else do your thinking for you, in which case doing what your family tells you to do is probably your best bet...

The party bosses will be proud of you, if you just listen to exactly what they say, don't do any research of your own, and just vote "strait party ticket." Why don't you just hand them your ballot when you get to the polling station . . . no better yet . . . why don't you just forward all the ballots there were to be sent to you for the rest of your life to their political office. You don't need to concern yourself regarding the policy decisions of your "elected" government. I know I am using hyperbole . . . but isn't that what your basically doing?

[August]

Originally Posted by JALU3

The party bosses will be proud of you, if you just listen to exactly what they say, don't do any research of your own, and just vote "strait party ticket." Why don't you just hand them your ballot when you get to the polling station . . . no better yet . . . why don't you just forward all the ballots there were to be sent to you for the rest of your life to their political office. You don't need to concern yourself regarding the policy decisions of your "elected" government. I know I am using hyperbole . . . but isn't that what your basically doing?

No, I didn't say any of the things you're trying to accuse me of. "Party bosses"

I'm just saying that if he can't or won't do his own research into the candidates he votes for then it's probably better to listen to what his family members are telling him rather than some stranger.

You know not everyone has the time, opportunity or ability to do their own reading between the lines, expecially something as convoluted as finding out what a candidate really stands for (aside from him/herself that is).

[JALU3]

Originally Posted by August

No, I didn't say any of the things you're trying to accuse me of. "Party bosses"

I'm just saying that if he can't or won't do his own research into the candidates he votes for then it's probably better to listen to what his family members are telling him rather than some stranger.

You know not everyone has the time, opportunity or ability to do their own reading between the lines, expecially something as convoluted as finding out what a candidate really stands for (aside from him/herself that is).

Again hyperbole.
Although family members may have similar backgrounds, that doesn't mean that they share the same political views and/or the same policy positions. Therefore, it is best that anyone who has decided to vote, be an informed voter. Otherwise, they maybe supporting, via their vote, something that would negatively effect them or be against one of their policy opinions. Remember Abstaining is always an option.
And it doesn't take that much time to read independent summaries of the candidates stated positions, and their political records. Bet time spent then downloading music from Apple, or voting for the next American Idol.

[August]

Originally Posted by JALU3

Again hyperbole.

I am familiar with the term and it still isn't "what your basically doing?" as you put it.

Although family members may have similar backgrounds, that doesn't mean that they share the same political views and/or the same policy positions. Therefore, it is best that anyone who has decided to vote, be an informed voter. Otherwise, they maybe supporting, via their vote, something that would negatively effect them or be against one of their policy opinions.

So have you never once relied on someones advice when making an important decision? Would not his family being negatively affected also likely impact him?

Remember Abstaining is always an option.

Yes it is an option, but imo a far worse choice than relying on the advice of family or friends. Rights must be exercised or lost and participating in the process is very educational. That is much more important than a single vote one way or another.

[JALU3]

I am exajurating what happens when one losses their ability to decide for themselves who they will vote for. And in doing so . . . vote in a way which would make the party happy that you are listening to these influences.

For voting, although I will listen to other opinions, I have always taken the time to read through non-partisan publications and read the for and against arguements (and the counter arguemenents) on propositions, amendments, and referendums. For individuals running for political positions, I also refer to non-partisan publications and individual research into the candidates campaign literature. So no, I have not relied soley on one persons advice when making a decision regarding how I, that is not to say that it isn't a minor influence.

As for abstaning or blind voting is worse, that would make an interesting debate topic. I myself prefer abstaning when I am undecided on a question on the ballot, rather then just voting for someone who someone else tells me to vote for. That is to say, I have left certain voting questions blank, while filling out others. As for what people should do as a whole, welll that's up to the individual voter.