The Morality of Voting

Published: Nov. 14, 2019, 10:58 a.m.

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\\u201cYou\\u2019re joking \\u2013 not another one!\\u201d That was Brenda from Bristol, back in 2017 when Theresa May surprised the country with a snap poll. A penny for Brenda\\u2019s thoughts as we climb aboard the roller-coaster for our third general election in four years. The pundits are predicting only its unpredictability. The parties are fractured and fraught, the voters are frustrated and fatigued, and Brexit prances through the pantomime. The old safe-seat certainties are crumbling. Campaigners on all sides have been encouraging tactical voting to stop the opposition at all costs. Is that morally acceptable, or should we vote for the candidate we most closely support, even if they have no chance of winning? If our long-held tribal loyalties seem less certain, is that good or bad? Does it shake up candidate complacency or threaten community interests? Is it OK to stand in the voting booth and ask \\u2018What\\u2019s in it for me?\\u2019 or are we there on behalf of all humanity? Perhaps the question is not \\u2018How should I vote?\\u2019, but \\u2018Why should I bother?\\u2019 People fought and died for our right to vote, so is it a moral duty to go to the polling station, even if we spoil our ballot? Or is it wrong to criticise those who stay at home on election day, nursing their anger or their apathy? Featuring Dr Lisa McKenzie, Alan Hamlin, Richard Harries and Professor Lea Yp.

Producer: Dan Tierney.

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