Anti-election special
If voting changed anything they’d abolish it... Vote! For more of the same... Voting changes nothing the struggle continues... XXXXXXXXXXXX - Your Lifetimes share of democracy (don’t steal the pencil)... Don’t Vote it only encourages power seekers... Use your cross wisely - crucify a politician... All politicians are lying scum - we must organise to take control of our lives... However you vote for the Government always wins
Okay so we don’t know when it is yet, but foot and mouth not withstanding, consider yourself fully equiped with the EF!AU...
So What’s It All About Then?
Electoral ‘democracy’ is a sham. A handy illusion created to give the appearance of choice by allowing us to choose our leaders. Of course this is no choice at all. Left or right, red, blue or green all political parties are committed to some form of capitalism be it local, state or to stand a hope in hell at the present time free market global.
Perhaps more crucially all are committed to ruling, to the idea of government hence the majority being governed.
They wish to retain politics in the realm of professionals and experts and deny ordinary people control over their own lives. To vote (for whatever party) is to accept this, to support the idea of a society based on power and hierarchy.
The alternative is direct action. Organising ourselves in our work places and communities meet our needs and create the free and ecological future.
Ideas For Action
* All the usual good ole’ agitation, education and organisation. Posters, leaflets, stickers, graffiti spreading the word there is an alternative to what’s on offer.
* Active not voting campaigns - these seem pretty popular this time, encouraging the spoiling of ballot papers rather than not turning up at all.
* Street theatre, the opportunities are endless. Our favourite so far is the bicycle election ‘car’. Rig up a battery amplifier on a bicycle and merrily spend the day broadcasting spoof election slogans round your neighbourhood. Comedy costumes advised.
* Alternative placards and window notices - these are very good for warding off political canvassers
* Many schools hold mock elections. You could try writing a nice letter to heads of personal and social development (who are often responsible) offering a speaker on alternatives to voting. Okay - it’s a long shot but you never know.
* Of course there’s always ignoring the day altogether, getting on with your usual direct action and taking control of your own life.
What We’ve Heard About So Far
* Derby Anarchists have produced some good posters, worth adapting for other areas. Try sending them an SAE and a nice letter, Box EMAB, 88 Abbey Street, Derby DE22 3SQ ain@ziplip.com
* A Campaign has been launched in Bristol to get a positive vote for NOBODY in May’s local elections. Rather than advocate abstention the NOBODY campaign team are urging people to write NOBODY or NONE OF THE ABOVE on their ballot papers. These will be counted as spoilt ballot papers and if these are greater in number than votes cast for the winner the ward in question will be declared an autonomous zone free from council control. It is hoped the campaign will spread nationally so that NOBODY storms home countrywide on May 3rd. votenobody@yahoo.co.uk
* Coming soon on www.freenorwich.co.uk “Abstain” is the only web based campaign we’ve heard about.
* And whenever it happens, Norwich election day critical mass, wear your twinset and pearls, bring babies to kiss and dig out your best Mrs. T hand-bag. 6pm by St. Peter Mancroft.
If Voting Changed Anything They’d Make It Illegal!