DON’T BASE YOUR VOTE ON POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES

AS pre-poll begins today and the election is less than a fortnight away, Geelong now needs to decide on the choices they have in front of them.

Doug Mann’s letter (GA, 7/11) essentially calls for voters in Geelong to think ‘strategically’ — to focus on the man — Darryn Lyons, in this case — instead of policy and values.

To consider the personal grudges he may have with a negligent government rather than the negligent government’s current failings in the last four years.

To ask whether Darryn would be listened to should he get elected, as opposed to whether the current representatives listen to us in the first place.

To pre-concede defeat and declare one party as the winner even before the first votes have been cast, then voting on the basis that you should choose the side that is going to win anyway — or else face retribution — is a very poor way to decide.

In fact, on principle, that is a very good reason why you should not choose the so-called winning side. ‘Vote for me, or else’ is extortion. All voters need only look to themselves to decide whom they should choose. What are your core values and principles? What is needed and what is important to you, your family and friends, your neighbours and the community?

Only after that should you look for the candidate who best meets these answers. Joshua Lim, Belmont