In many ways the US process is much more ....Darwinian. Each state manages their own elections, even the federal elections. Corruption runs the gamut between corrupt-Dem to clean to corrupt Rep. Some places like Chicago are simply off the charts. Consistent success in elections allows corruption and the successful party to build a network of cronies. Again this is true for Dems and Repubs.
Yet one thing shines through. In those places where 1 party has a lock on the elections, the level of corruption is horrible and the plight impoverished in those jurisdictions is abysmal.
Not third world abysmal because lots of welfare is thrown at that problem. But those caught in that trap are almost irretrievably stuck in it. They are largely left in a condition where they must take handouts from their betters with no chance of making their condition better.
Daryl wrote:Our compulsory voting system is old fashioned.
When you go to vote they cross you off the paper electrol roll with a ruler and pencil, without checking ID. There have been pushes to have ID checked, but when the electoral rolls are crosschecked later on there historically hasn't been any cheating. It also is federally run so uniform across the country.
The votes are then counted manually over days.
Mind you we don't generally get as passionate about it as the US, although the people have zero tolerance for corruption, or using political influence for personal benefit.
The US circus fascinates us as it seems so full on yet gets such crappy results.
and, Mangy Fur the Smart Alick Spacecat.
