Should we make blank write-in space mandatory on all ballots?

[Machjo]

When we consider that voter turn-out keeps dropping each year, and that even those who do vote sometimes hand in blank ballots for 'none of the above', that maybe it's time to add a write-in space on ballots so as to allow voters to vote for non-megalomaniacs?

I could see a system whereby each election Elections Canada would update its voter-candidate (I say voter-candidate since in principle under such a system all voters would in fact be candidates) list (and of course voters themselves would have a responsibility to register too, naturally), along with a unique voter-candidate ID number which can be written in as an identifier. We as voters would be free to check one of the names on the ballot or, alternatively, write in the name of another voter-candidate along with his voter-candidate ID number. And just like under the current system, the plurality wins the mandate.

I think such a system would reduce the bias the current system has toward sending megalomaniacs to Parliament.

Any thoughts on this?

[scouterjim]

When we consider that voter turn-out keeps dropping each year, and that even those who do vote sometimes hand in blank ballots for 'none of the above', that maybe it's time to add a write-in space on ballots so as to allow voters to vote for non-megalomaniacs?

I could see a system whereby each election Elections Canada would update its voter-candidate (I say voter-candidate since in principle under such a system all voters would in fact be candidates) list (and of course voters themselves would have a responsibility to register too, naturally), along with a unique voter-candidate ID number which can be written in as an identifier. We as voters would be free to check one of the names on the ballot or, alternatively, write in the name of another voter-candidate along with his voter-candidate ID number. And just like under the current system, the plurality wins the mandate.

I think such a system would reduce the bias the current system has toward sending megalomaniacs to Parliament.

Any thoughts on this?

Do like I have done, cast a spoiled ballot.

[Machjo]

Do like I have done, cast a spoiled ballot.

I have done that once. However, its effect is more limited than actually voting for someone.

[ToadBrother]

I have done that once. However, its effect is more limited than actually voting for someone.

I'd prefer the None Of The Above. If None Of The Above gets the plurality, then the election is re-run, but none of the people on the original ballot can run again.

[Mr.Canada]

I'd prefer the None Of The Above. If None Of The Above gets the plurality, then the election is re-run, but none of the people on the original ballot can run again.

Good luck.

[Bryan]

I'd prefer the None Of The Above. If None Of The Above gets the plurality, then the election is re-run, but none of the people on the original ballot can run again.

Great, as long as anyone who votes "none of the above" shows up to their EDA and puts their name forward as a candidate for the 're-run'.

[Molly]

There's something to be said for leaving the post vacant until the next general election when/if 'None of the above' wins.

[Moonlight Graham]

If this happens i'm changing my name to "None Of The Above".