this post was submitted on 04 May 2025
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politics

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[–] [email protected] 16 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (4 children)

Vote. In. The. Primary.

Then accept the reality that for over 99% of state and federal offices either the Democratic or the Republican nominee will win in the general election and vote accordingly. Not voting only maintains the status quo and the only message it sends to "strategists" and candidates is that they don't have to care about your priorities.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

I’ve. Done. Been. Voting. In. Primaries.

It. Don’t. Work. When. The. Country. Is. Fundametally. Conservative.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Naturally, if you're already voting consistently in the primaries, then you are not in the target audience for my comment.. More people voting for a different candidate resulting in the other candidate winning isn't really an example of the process not working. Keep fighting for a ballot initiative for ranked choice or approval voting, but don't stop voting in primaries and elections just because the result isn't what you wanted. Your presence in the process is a matter of public record and it tells every campaign that if they don't attempt to win your vote then you're a potential vote for someone else.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Okay then why does it feel like I’m ignored and voting is useless?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Because turnout in the primaries sucks, especially among the demographics more likely to vote for a progressive than a centrist or neolib. Because the donor class and the people in power want you to feel like voting is useless. The fewer people there are coming out to vote, the less resources they need to spend to win an election, and the less they need to do in office to hold onto it. Keep on voting, and nag everyone you know to keep voting.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

This would imply I know anyone whose vote wouldn’t probably be against my goals.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I'm in a gerrymandered district in a very low-turnout state. So I have at times had to vote in the Republican primary to try and keep the ultra-crazy off the general election ballot. Sucks but it's better than silencing my own voice by not voting. Even turning in a ballot without a selection is better than fully not voting, because it proves you're engaged in the process. When they know you're engaged, they know there's a chance at getting your vote.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

They know I vote every time, and I vote blue no matter who.

Why should they care what I think if I'm not willing to not vote for them?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

The primaries are where you vote with your heart for the party you want. The general is pretty much always a strategic vote against the who you really don't want to win. Granted, that requires more than one candidate running for the nomination, and if nobody steps up for it you're kinda stuck. That's what David Hogg's plan is about. Funding progressive primary challenges in Dem-safe districts where the incumbent is asleep at the wheel. If that describes your situation, maybe write to Leaders We Deserve to get them to take a look at your district.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

Oh wow that's not something that's been tried a bunch of times before and has failed every single one.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

They need to run a real primary without their thumb in the scale for the first time since 2008...

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 weeks ago

I don't disagree. But I also don't expect them to stop as long they have the platform to. But that doesn't mean I'm going to give in to the status quo by sitting on the sidelines or voting third party in a district/state with first-past-the-post.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

It's almost like not doing anything, accomplishes absolutely nothing for your cause. Who knew?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

Shocking if true.

[–] superniceperson 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Super delegates solely determine the democratic primary.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Superdelegates don't even get a vote unless the pledged delegates can't select a nominee in the first round of voting.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

That was recent change based on how they were used to declare Clinton bring the victor before voting even started. So Bernie started 400+ votes behind if you listened to the way the media was reporting it

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 weeks ago

Yes, indeed it went into affect in 2018. But that means it's one less thing to overcome in 2026 and 2028.