How would you reply if someone asked you who you voted for?
Voting is a private matter for most. I know of a few couples and best friends who do not disclose their vote to one another. It is one of the few things that can remain sacred to each individual; all else is public domain—or so it seems.
There are a few voting day do's and don'ts that I recommend:
Do:
- vote, if registered
- understand what you are voting for
- take it seriously, even if it won't directly affect you
- vote your own conscious and mind
- prepare before you arrive to the polls
- keep your voice down
- bring your identification in case of discrepancy
- leave your pet at home when possible
- say 'thank you'
Don't
- promote your "guy" or "proposition"
- peek at anyone's data
- hold a discussion about anything
- chit chat with the pollsters, even if they are your friend/neighbor
- sneer at anyone who is of a different political party (you'd only know this if your peeked)
- take a break during the voting process
- make a call or 'text' to find out how to vote
- allow your child to roam
- pass out political paraphernalia outside the polling place
- take food or drinks inside
Etiquette approach: Respect is paramount when it comes to the voting process. Replying to any personal question, can be as simple as saying, "That's rather personal, don't you think?", or "I don't discuss that.", and change the subject.
To parents of young adults, avoid lecturing, prompting, or bribing them to vote or disclose their vote. By all means, have lively discussions to state facts, engage in debate, etc.
In the workplace, it is best to change the subject; unless you have a more familiar relationship with that person, and are in a private setting.
I also recommend that you limit your political post and opinions on social media; I have heard of people "unfriending" someone because they are in the opposing party or have a differing opinion. There is nothing wrong with promoting your "guy", but I strongly suggest that you refrain from; name-calling, slanderous remarks (there are two-sides to every story), threats of any kind, or blaming any one person for the entire world's problem.
As the late Rodney King said, "People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?"
_____________Etiquette is an attitude.
Rosalinda Randall is an Etiquette Consultant, Speaker, and Owner of Your Relationship Edge. She has been spreading civility throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for fourteen years. Please contact her if you would like to learn more about how you can introduce an business etiquette and civility workshop to your staff. 650.871.6200
With all due respect, what are you thinking? This is a joke, right? Sounds like the beauty contestant that speaks of working for world peace. And we wonder why the other 49 look at us and laugh. This has to be one of the most ridiculous comments I remember seeing. First blush response when I read this was please come back and reread your post when you're done partying and the effects of said partying have subsided. As a joke, it's sort of funny. As a serious comment, it's scary.
It isn't about any one political topic, it's about how we conduct ourselves...refraining from school yard jargon and poor sportsmanship. "Winners" don't gloat. "Losers" don't taunt. We can fervently and factually make our points. Good day everyone.
There aren't any of course and the reason is, and I'm guessing here, because the theme of your thread is political - hence the political responses. Hey, ridiculous is ridiculous and the comment provided by jan goodwin is about as ridiculous as it gets. Like I said; I just couldn't leave that one alone. Good day to you, too, Ms Randall.
With a title of "Who'd You Vote For", what might you expect? While I'm at it - "Who'd" is a contraction of who and would, meaning the title is asking who would you vote for - pre-election - or - who did you vote for - post-election. Either way, the election is your theme as I read it. Which brings me to a point: I already addressed your initial response to my post, but with your reply, I am now left wondering ... You say that you are "just trying to keep it civil". Is / was there something uncivil posted, by myself or another? or, were the comments you've received not particularly what you were looking for and perhaps you were trying to head something off at the pass? I ask because sometimes comments can expand beyond the author's intention, but then it was the author that provided the forum. In this case, you have provided a forum on election etiquette, which btw I've never heard of, and after a very heated battle in political views and opinions nationwide, from local issues and opinions to national issues and opinions, for years (as opposed to days/weeks/ or even months), folks are going to express their thoughts. I hope I wasn't uncivil ... but I was being honest.
Thanks for putting up with my wayward ways, Rosalinda. You're a good sport...and very nice. You may have already figured out that I am a Type A and like many others, I have opinions when it comes to politics , at all levels. When I was growing up those oh so many years ago, my Mom used to tell me to never publicly talk about religion or politics - that there was just no upside to it. She was an AA for a big time lobbyist on the Hill. As you can see, I am, from time to time, a little forgetful of Mom's advice. Although I do fairly well with the religion part, I've just never been very good with the political part of her advice. I hope you understand and thanks for being so kind.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20121108_Vote_was_astronomical_for_Obama_in_some_Philadelphia_wards.html
There is a poster to this thread that seems to have issues with communicating with others. This poster seems angry and frustrated. With the communications skills that the mentioned poster demonstrates, I am not surprised at the emotional garbage coming from that keyboard. One has to feel sorry for someone that is so challenged that they appear unable to dialog, to express themselves in a civil manner with others, and instead resort to name calling and personal attacks. That individual has plastered his/her rants on multiple election threads and frankly, it takes away from the discussion. That, if nothing else, is disrespectful to us all, including the individual committing these offenses - although folks that challenged rarely see it that way. I hope that individual seeks the appropriate help and that s/he gets the help and support they clearly need.
By the way, I adore reading your posts. Please feel free to express yourself anytime. Thank you.