The French Government Must Recognize the Null Vote/Spoiled Ballot

Most people fall into two camps on the issue of voting. Either they believe that it is one’s civic duty to vote in an election or they shun elections altogether. Not bothering to vote is a sign of apathy while voting for the sake of voting can put the wrong party in power. Not many voters are even aware that a third option is available to them: the null vote! “Votez Nul” is a very straightforward French campaign to have a defaced ballot or null vote recognized for what it is. If individuals believe that politicians are never held accountable; that despite doing nothing, politicians get a fat pension at the end of their term; that the current system lacks integrity, honesty, and accountability, and that voting doesn’t change anything, then they should consider casting a null vote. Individuals who don’t vote still have the right to exercise their right to be critical, engaged citizens and have their dissenting voice heard – freedom of expression is the cornerstone of our democratic system. Why should this freedom be curtailed, and especially when it comes to voting, which is supposed to be most democratic act in modern society? These days, it is popular among politicians and mainstream media to say that voters who don’t vote don’t have the right to complain. Well, voters need to take back their voice by casting a null vote – a null vote sends a message to all parties and says that we are informed voters and with this ballot we’re saying that we have concerns to be addressed and none of the parties are able to address them. In France (as well as in many other countries), a null vote is counted as a ‘no vote.’ However, a ‘no vote’ is not the same as a null vote. A no vote is simply a vote that isn’t counted. It doesn’t express political intent. Likewise, a null vote is not a protest vote. A protest vote is a vote in favor of a minority or fringe candidate or opposing party that is unlikely to win the election. Okay, now we know what a null vote ISN’T; so then what exactly is a null vote? A null vote is a spoiled ballot and it expresses dissatisfaction with the system as a whole in the absence of fair, accountable representation. It’s can consist simply of a cross or ‘X’ across the entire ballot card or be an opportunity for an individual to express their creativity. We should always remember that defacing a ballot indicates dissent while not showing up to vote indicates apathy. This is why the "Votez Nul!" campaign is so important — the French government must be made to realize this fact.

For more info, go to: http://voteznul.blogspot.com/