Taking A Page Out Of Brazil's Book

In October 2004 I wrote an article for Boston's Whats Up Magazine about voting in Brazil. To make a long story short, in Brazil everyone is obliged to vote. Not doing so incurrs all sorts of civil penalties, like the inability to renew one's passport. I did not advocate for making voting compulsory in the United States, but I did write that all citizens should participate in the voting process. It is a time to exercise our rights as citizens, and to voice our opinion about candidates running to represent us in government.

In that same issue, then managing editor Jesse Post wrote an article about voting blank, or anulling one's vote, something which does not happen with much frequency in this country. Since voting is not compulsory in the United States, if one does not approve of the candidates, he or she has the choice to not vote. Andrew Downie, writing for Time.com, gives a snapshot of the political climate in Brazil. Corruption is rampant, and the political elite, which continues biting holes into public money, continues getting reelected. A culture of annulment is growing out of grassroots campaigns, catching the attention of the middle class and college kids. Because voting is compulsory in Brazil, citizens do not have the choice of sitting out the election. Not satisfied with any of the available candidates, one is either forced to pick the least worst or annul the vote.

Generally speaking (and this may vary by state), a candidate cannot be elected with most of the votes. He or she needs the majority of the votes, so 50% plus one as opposed to having the highest percentage of votes. Consider this: If there are two candidates and 50% plus one of the votes were left blank or annulled, the people prefer no one to the available candidates. Blank votes are not thrown away; they are counted. Blank votes say "I don't want any of these people to represent me." A blank vote is a protest. Instead of sitting at home and not choosing, go out and choose no one. A blank vote says "I would rather have no one in office than these guys."

It is easy to not choose. In Brazil, where people are forced to do so, annulling the vote tells the powers that be that they think none of the choices are competent enough for the job. They are forced to protest. Americans should take a page out of Brazil's book. Choose no one.