[Foundation-l] 2011 elections - low turnout

[Ray Saintonge]

On 03/20/11 10:31 AM, Fred Bauder wrote:
>> Funny, secret ballots are actually meant to discourage cabalism, voting
>> for
>> favors and voter intimidation.
> Mileage may vary...
>
> In our situation, due to low turnout, secret and anonymous voting and
> lack of information, although involved Wikipedians do have some clue, we
> are quite vulnerable. I don't think there are any good solutions. I just
> know that I am often at a loss with respect to voting.
>
> In situations where I am informed, such as the U.S. presidential
> elections I may vote for someone who I know will do exactly the opposite
> of what they say they will do, but at least I know what I'm getting.
>

Even in US elections the turnout is much lower for the mid-terms.  It's 
relatively easy to decide on a presidential candidate, but the degree of 
being informed drops significantly for offices further down the 
political food chain.

Secret ballots are important for Wikimedia, even more so when we rank 
everyone who's on the ballot, and can even change our vote at anytime 
before the process ends.   We have too many people who would hold 
grudges against anyone voting the wrong way.

Ray