We must abandon the notion that the people govern. Instead, we must adopt the theory that, by their occasional mobilisations as a majority, people support or oppose the individuals who actually govern.
Walter LippmannRead
I have an idea about voting, how about on every ballot we include "None of the above". People may laugh at that, but what that is, it is a vote of no confidence in your government and I'm willing to bet that in some elections, 'None of the Above' would win. Imagine if you won the election but lost to 'None of the Above'. Wouldn't that make you re-think your positions?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Including 'None of the above' on ballots allows voters to express dissatisfaction with their choices.
Jesse Ventura's quote emphasizes the importance of voter expression and the need for accountability in governance. By proposing 'None of the Above' as an option on ballots, he highlights a hypothetical yet impactful scenario where voters can demonstrate their lack of confidence in candidates, potentially reshaping political rationale and prompting candidates to reconsider their policies and approaches if they face defeat by this option.
Themes
VotingGovernmentConfidenceElectionsAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on electoral reform, one might quote this to advocate for more options on ballots.
Similar quotes
The first years in Parliament I did nothing - nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object.
William WilberforceRead
Our economic problems worry me much less than our political solutions, which have a far worse track record.
Thomas SowellRead
Although our interests as citizens vary, each one is an artery to the heart that pumps life through the body politic, and each is important to the health of democracy.
Bill MoyersRead
The marginalized did not create identity politics: their identities have been forced on them by dominant groups, and politics is the most effective method of revolt.
Stacey AbramsRead
They realize that in thirty-four months we have built up new instruments of public power. In the hands of a peoples Government this power is wholesome and proper. But in the hands of political puppets of an economic autocracy such power would provide shackles for the liberties of the people.
Franklin D. RooseveltRead