Quote of the day 22nd September 2014

"It is actually pretty remarkable that a state can say 'We are not going to compel part of what has been our country but perhaps didn't want to remain part of our country, we are not going to compel them to do so. We are going to allow the democratic process.'

"To do that, you have to be a country that has enormous confidence in its own democratic institutions."

(Sir Stephen Wall, a former British Ambassador)

Comments

Jim said…
Here is a quick question. Just answer honestly.

Why do you think the turn out in the Scottish Referendum was 84.6%, yet the turn out for the General Election in 2010 was only 65.1%, and the turn out for the Police election was 15.1%?
6:40 pm
Chris Whiteside said…
The turnout reflects how much people cared about the outcome, which presumably in turn reflects how important those eligible to vote thought this vote was to them and to their future.
12:47 am
Jim said…
Yeah, Thats exactly what i thought.

People will turn out and vote IF they think their vote will make a difference, or they think its important enough.

I dont think low turnouts are showing "apathy" as so often is claimed, No, I think they are showing indifference.

A common question asked by politicians to each other is "what do we need to do to increase the turnout?" - and thanks to your own honesty you just pretty much answered that very question.
5:43 pm
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