Oddbean new post about | logout
 Corruption, compromise, and conspiracies notwithstanding, I don't vote in recognition of my own ignorance.  That is, particularly in local matters, I'm not paying enough attention.  I figure casting a completely uniformed vote just injects noise - making it less likely that the voters who actually know the better path would end up winning.  I do usually show up for a presidential election, though, just to vote 3rd party so as to provide some signal of displeasure in the 2 main parties; but even then, I'll just leave the other items blank.

Should I feel shame for not just making myself more informed on all the issues?  Perhaps.  But, my point is, i think we'd all be better off without the "Get Out and Vote (even if you know you're uninformed)" campaigns.  I would much rather our cultural environment supported "Do Your Homework or Just Stay Home" campaigns.