Moral Dilemma

[Khandro]

I don't know if this should be in Politcs, or Family & Relationships, but I'm putting it in here.

I've just received my postal voting forms, I was convinced I knew who I would vote for, but I have discovered that one of my own daughters is standing as an Independent candidate in my constituency !  I thought she was joking when she told me some time ago.

She hasn't of course a hope in hell's chance of being elected, but neither has my preferred choice (Reform UK).

What should a dad do ?  Is blood thicker than water ?

[MandyMooMoo]

If she gets no votes she will realise you didn't vote for her and might be a bit miffed. Personally I would vote for her.

[Old_Geezer]

Best to ask her why she didn't apply to be a Reform candidate. Then ask who she's voting for.

[Khandro]

^^ I think you may be right. Do I want to be the man who didn't vote for his own daughter? 

[Khandro]

That was to Mandy. OG you have to be selected to be aligned to a party.

[douglas9401]

Is it a moral dilemma though? Or just wanting to keep the peace. 😐

[Old_Geezer]

And one can join and make themselves available for selection ?

[naomi24]

Neither your daughter nor your chosen party has a hope in hell of being elected so vote for your daughter.  The parties you don't want will still be short of your vote and your daughter will get at least one.

[Barmaid]

Your vote can be exercised in any way you want.  However, I think you should exercise your vote based on your preferred candidate and not the fact that one is your daughter.  Father and daughter are perfectly entitled to disagree on anything, including politics.  Exercising your vote in a way that does not favour your daughter is not any form of disloyalty to her or no reflection upon her as your daughter.  She is standing for election and will undoubtedly understand that you casting your vote elsewhere is your democratic right and shows the mutual respect in your relationship.  She is a big girl now and can get there with dad's support if she needs it in other ways rather than him potentially compromising his views.

Here's a question.  If she stood for a party whose manifesto was abhorrent to you, would you still consider voting for her?

[naomi24]

^That is a question - a very different question which in my opinion should elicit a different answer.

[Sinead_O]

Vote for her, Dad.  Blood's definitely thicker than water :)

[youngmafbog]

//If she stood for a party whose manifesto was abhorrent to you, would you still consider voting for her?//

Good question and very relevant.

I for one wouldnt if she was a Communist or EDL supporter.  Even Independants have leanings so which way does she lean?

[youngmafbog]

Thats a question for you to answer yourslef not put on here BTW.

[davebro3]

If my vote was definitely not going to make a difference I wouldn't bother voting at all. If it was a case of possibly saving her deposit I would vote for the daughter.

[Khandro]

Thanks, I value your opinions and I see your measured, sensible response Barmaid.

I took quite a bit of trouble registering for an overseas postal vote too. I don't always agree with all her views, but nothing too serious (she isn't a Communist etc.!) She's always causing me problems, but I love her. Looks like dad will probably give her my vote.

Illogical, but the heart beats the head.  

[Barmaid]

Thank you for saying that, Khandro.

You've obviously spent time and reached a considered decision for which you cannot be criticised.  That kind of exemplifies having the free choice to use your vote in whatever way you see fit!!

How proud you must be to have a daughter who is prepared to put herself forwards and attempt to make a difference.

[ToraToraTora]

You have to vote for the bucket me old china, the only way out.

[Khandro]

It's in the post and the dad side wins over the more sensible political side.

In the end I tried to rationalise it by looking at all the reasons for not voting for the others and there are plenty. The one I was going to have voted for, who had the least amount of negatives, - the Reform candidate, will have to struggle on without me.  Apologies to him and Nigel  😌