exists solely to provide a political strategy for the politically apathetic

Why?

In the 2001 General Election only 59.38%(1) of registered voters bothered to vote. Obviously this figure does not include those eligible to vote who are so alienated from the political process they can't even be bothered registering to vote.

The government 'elected' in 2001 achieved a 166-seat majority through obtaining 41%(1) of votes cast (remember the 59.38% figure?)

In the next General Election only 51%(2) of registered voters are likely to vote.

Enlightened democracy? - we don't think so.

What?

The Electoral Commission 'are currently not persuaded of the merits of positive abstention'(3) (the None of the Above option) thereby denying a recordable vote to all those who wish to vote against all political candidate & parties during any UK election.

Regardless of the reasons for this particular stance it does allow the polititians, political parties & politically-influenced media to dismiss this 'vote' as laziness or apathy, & of course to therefore completely ignore the views of those who wish to register a None of the Above vote as their democratic choice. This may be convenient to them but it certainly doesn't fit with our definition of democracy.

Therefore?

This campaign exists to encourage anyone who wishes to vote against all of the candidates in any election to do so in the only way left to us - through a stylised 'spoiling' of our ballot papers that is instantly recognisable.

Who?

If this form of political protest appeals to you click on this logo for full details of how to

References:

(1)   Electoral Commission - Election 2001: the official results - background Pages 3/4

(2)   MORI Poll 25th March 2004

(3)   Electoral Commission - Ballot Paper Design Report and recommendations Pages 33/34