Historical voting.

garinda · 05-05-2007, 09:20

Carrying on from the local election threads, is the way you vote influenced by how your family voted?

claytonender · 05-05-2007, 09:31

I vote the same way as my parents did because I feel there is only one party able to represent the 'common man'.

andrewb · 05-05-2007, 09:32

I voted "No I vote differently from my parents" although one or both of my parents might vote the same as me at any specific election, I don't base my decision on theirs.

But if we want to generalise one parent is generally Labour and the other Conservative, if they can be bothered to vote. *rolleyes*

Though Im incredibly confident that'll all change come the next general election.

entwisi · 05-05-2007, 09:33

my vote has and will change depending on who I believe is teh right person for teh job at that particular time. I find it hard to understand those who vote one way "just because".

andrewb · 05-05-2007, 09:38

Ark. Yeah I must state that point, im talking how i'd vote given the current situation. The future is uncertain and im not going to vote for a party just because it is a party, i'll vote for the one I thinks best, and we all know what I think that is right now!

claytonender · 05-05-2007, 10:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyfr

Ark. Yeah I must state that point, im talking how i'd vote given the current situation. The future is uncertain and im not going to vote for a party just because it is a party, i'll vote for the one I thinks best, and we all know what I think that is right now!

Whilst I understand what you are saying, I have to point out as you grow older ( I have now been a voter for 40 years) you will see the effect certain parties, being in power either locally or nationally, have on your life and the lives of people around you. I know that my political opinions have been moulded by those factors. There are some things you never forget, how certain sections of the community were regarded with disdain and consigned to the 'dustbin'. I was brought up to believe that 'I am my brother's keeper' and that has always influenced my political choices - I have the responsibilty to consider the needs of people less fortunate than myself.
I don't mean to infer that you are selfish or thoughtless, but just giving you some insight into how older people's attitudes to political parties have been arrived at.

Neil · 05-05-2007, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

my vote has and will change depending on who I believe is teh right person for teh job at that particular time. I find it hard to understand those who vote one way "just because".

Thanks Ian you saved me typing that in

SPUGGIE J · 05-05-2007, 12:27

Aint a clue how my parents vote as it should be. I vote with my head not with my heart or under the inflence of others. I am old enough to make up my mind and hopefully wise enough.

cashman · 05-05-2007, 13:04

i did vote the same way as me parents did, not because of any influence they had on me, cos as claytonender says, its arrived at by whats happened around you over the years.

WillowTheWhisp · 05-05-2007, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

my vote has and will change depending on who I believe is teh right person for teh job at that particular time. I find it hard to understand those who vote one way "just because".

Snap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by claytonender

I was brought up to believe that 'I am my brother's keeper' and that has always influenced my political choices - I have the responsibilty to consider the needs of people less fortunate than myself.
I don't mean to infer that you are selfish or thoughtless, but just giving you some insight into how older people's attitudes to political parties have been arrived at.

The world would be a much better place if everyone felt that way - have a chunk of karma.

panther · 05-05-2007, 14:20

i have voted the same as my parents, but it wasnt because they did, it was because its what i wanted to do, its just coincidence thats all

garinda · 05-05-2007, 14:26

Besides my maternal Granny, I come from a long line of socialists, and my upbringing does affect how I vote today.

I'm now an atheist, but I also think being brought up a Methodist affected my politics. To me the basic beliefs of Christianity are very akin to socialist principles, and that's why I'll probably always vote Labour.

(The only time I haven't voted Labour was in the London Mayoral elections, when I voted for Red Ken, rather than the offical Labour Party candidate Dobson.)

claytonender · 05-05-2007, 17:21

Garinda
I was brought up a Methodist too and I ams ure that has affected my politics, you are quite right about the basic believes of Christinaity being akin to Socialist principles.

I am sure I would have voted for Red Ken in the London Mayoral Elections as well.

SPUGGIE J · 05-05-2007, 18:00

Fair enough religous upbringing could influence political thinking but religion and politics should be kept seperate. All it has ever lead to is trouble in the past.

LancYorkYankee · 05-05-2007, 18:55

I voted that I vote indepedant then my folks, though probably with the same mindset. However, I believe the key for me is that I, and my brothers and sister, all vote because my parents raised us to "believe" it was a very important right to take part in!

Brian