Let's make our-non vote a vote

Previously I  have written about why I don't vote why I dont vote  I'm guessing that this election voter non-turnout will be at an all-time low. The reason: following the Covid fiasco, trust in politicians is diminished (echoing mistrust in all major institutions including The Fourth Estate or public media, education and health)

According to Stats NZ, voter turnout at the 2020 elections was around 80%, down to around 75% for people under 40*. In the USA voter turnout for eligible voters is even lower- 50-60%. Why aren't we counting this as valuable information being presented on a plate which needs attention? That number of people could hold a very substantial power base; if  it were seen as a 'party' in itself, which is something that I do. It is around 500,00 eligible voters!

I am actively promoting the idea of a non-vote being regarded, noted and counted as a vote for no confidence in the political structures or politicians. The main reason given by stats NZ for not voting is 'disengagement', meaning 'this system has nothing to do with me'. The higher your income the more likely you are to turn up and vote. The implication of this is startling: the more I might ostensibly have a reason to vote ie I'm poor, the less I'm likely to vote!  This group do not see voting as a way to influence or change their socio economic position. The ideologues would have us believe, and I have already seen election voting promotions on mainstream media, is that if you want to have your say in how our country runs, then vote. If you don't, shut up. Or you are lazy and don't give a shit. 

The stats reveal for themselves the lie of this propaganda. The reality that I'm thinking exists is one where family's intergenerational poverty has seen governments left, right, and in-between come and go and their fortunes remain the same. And of course, making you responsible for your own demise- the statement I get directed at me-"If you don't vote you cant complain".

*https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/historical-events/2020-general-election-and-referendums/voter-turnout-statistics-for-the-2020-general-election/

To vote or not to vote

A friend of mine doesn't vote, citing that voting secedes your ability to be free and instead gives others permission to rule you.. Before this election, many years ago, I have also chosen not to vote, wanting to concentrate my energies into real power and real change. I understood this as the world around me; the people I move with, my 'sphere of influence' so to speak.
Low voter turnout is pandemic in the western world. People keep saying that if only the most affected voted they would institute huge changes for their own benefit. If that were so, why don't we see it happen? We are quick to say voter apathy is the cause, without understanding that that state is almost inevitable. Low voter turnout of the poor and disenfranchised reinforces their belief that this world is not made for them. Synonymously it strengthens the status quo or the majority view (who also surprise surprise happen to be very good voters). Minorities don't do well in elections-a representation in Parliament doesn't stop you from being railroaded by the majority into laws and decisions that are alien to you. Democracy can be a cruel joke-one person one vote- if you are not on the receiving end of society's privileges. You just keep voting or not- and keep losing.
Politics is seen as 'not for me' by non voters. I went to hear Hordur Torafson from Iceland, the country that went from prosperity to ruin during the financial meltdown 2009- 2011.If you remember the people threw out the government literally, by surrounding the buildings and calling for resignation of the whole government.One abiding memory from that talk was that post the 'revolution', people are talking politics, everyone is talking politics!And the politicians know they are watching them. 
I really like that story; political involvement; making sure that politicians do not overstay their mandate to govern. I'm still thinking about my friend, who questions our need for governance at all. I may well head down that road myself. Sure we need to work things out together, but that doesn't imply centralised government. I guess most people want someone who will save them, feed them, give them jobs etc. And then when that inevitably fails- someone to blame. And that in a nutshell may be the foundation of our ghastly reality show we call the elections.