Disturbing... (From 3/04 elections)

[aleeproject]

Greetings,

I find it rather distrubing to see members of respective independacies and other parties, continuing to campaign during the election period has commenced.

I would ask the U.S. of Grub and others, to stop campaigns.

Truly,

[Grub (Lenlyvit)]

In the US, candidates can still campaign while the election is taking place, just not within a certain distance from where the voting is actually taking place.

[aleeproject]

I understand and such, but campaigning during an election period seems inappropriate at this time, since members may have already casted their ballot, or the control of it is hard enough. Example: Elections Canada guidlines here in Canada, prohibits Campaigning less than 12 Hours before the polls open.

Perhaps the Campaigning has had enough time, and maybe we should stop it?
This is only a suggestion of course.

[Grub (Lenlyvit)]

There are no official rules for now, but it may be something we should discuss in the Council of Nine.

[Naoi]

Yeah, I've stopped my campaigning because now it's in the hands of the people. If they like what they see, then I'll get thier vote. Besides, if I tried to campaign now I'd be trying too hard and I'd really mess things up.

[Fleeb]

The "pro" argument I can see for continuing the campaign would be that it might get more people to participate in the election. That would be good, no?

From the campaigner point of view, though, you may be more likely to P.O. some one than gain their support.

As a general rule, I favor "whatever is not forbidden is permitted..." and let people keep hollering, just not with 100 yards of the polling places.

[Naoi]

But when it's on the internet, what makes something 100 Yards away from the polls? Do you mean to just not vote on the voting forum? Either way, it's up to you guys to decide. Good luck everybody!

[Henneth annun]

I never knew that we can't campaign during an election. It never occured to me that that was bad . My apologies.

[grmsr]

To stop fighting for your beliefs runs contrary to the human spirit. We have a right and duty to continue to spread all of our messages so that more people get involved in the process.

[Naoi]

I'm all for fighting for what you believe in, but not crying for it.

[aleeproject]

Im not saying Campaigning is bad. It is a great democratic process that is needed.
But I still do not think it is appropriate to have campaigning conducted while others have voted already. It is the job of every membering state to be aware in who they are voting for.

Also, yes in many cases, countries permit campaigning during election time, but if they are yards away from polling station -- tis has to be a bit difficult on this forum, considering everything is close near each other.

At this point, the UDA will no longer campaign until the election is over. We feel it is only fair.

[ALEN]

i agree ALP

ye...that's all i gotta say...

*yawns*

[grmsr]

ALP I couldn't disagree more with you on this one. If an election process is taking place in one day then I suppose I might go along, although I'm still not sold on that one. But when the election is taking place over a week, I think it's encumbent upon those running to continue to get their message out.

VOTE TEXARCANA .... VOTE FOR FREEDOM !!

[Naoi]

If there is a vital piece to your platform that you for some reason forgot to include in earlier campaigns, I can see using this time to exress this. But if all you're going to do is say "vote for me! vote for me!" then perhaps there is a small problem there. After your lst post my opinion was torn toward both sides, but it's a situational thing.

[aleeproject]

Many elections have strict policies on the conduct of campaigning. Many prohibit the use of campaign material on the hour the polls open.

I would hate to see a platform statement suddenly being issued at the last minute, when many have ALREADY voted. I can see the continious campaigning during the election, if members could change their vote. But in the region, you only get one ballot.

This is the statement of ALP.