The column “Against all” existed in the ballots until 2006, and then it was decided to remove it. Currently, there is talk about bringing this item back, so that those who are not satisfied with any of the running candidates could express their views.
Instructions
Step 1
There have been elections in the USSR in which only one candidate was present. It was possible to vote either “for” or “against”. It was believed that if there were more votes “against” than “for”, then the candidate would be removed, and another would appear in his place. But usually this was not done, the only candidate was simply approved almost automatically. In theory, this scheme was working, despite the fact that it resulted in practice. Since that time, the item "Against all" remained. As the reason for the decision to get rid of him, it was said: "What is the point of voting against everyone when there are plenty of candidates?"
Step 2
But the essence of the situation is that there may not be someone among the candidates who would suit the voter. It turns out that if he comes to the polls, he will not be able to vote as he sees fit, since it is imperative to make a choice in favor of one of the candidates. And the voter dislikes none of them! What is left for him? Two options. Anyone not to appear at the polls, or spoil the ballot. Neither is a good way to state your position.
Step 3
As an example of how the electoral system operates in which there is no “Against all” option, we can recall the 2013 mayoral elections in Moscow. A little less than a third of voters voted for opposition candidate Navalny. But if we take into account that in total no more than a third of Moscow residents came to the elections, it turns out that the candidate was approved by about a tenth. The picture is completely different when the turnout is taken into account.
Step 4
The problem with the column "Against all" in Russia is that many government officials themselves understand that the population is very dissatisfied with some political and economic phenomena, so if this item is returned, then there will be a lot of votes against all. Some politicians even say that it is worth returning "Against All", as this item will win all elections. Of course, one cannot be sure of such a result, but the presence of "Against All" at least promises an increase in voter turnout, which is also very important.
Step 5
Another consequence of the cancellation of "Against All" is that people who would vote against all began to cast votes for completely marginal candidates who would never have received the approval of the audience otherwise. People vote for them, just to keep the central party from getting their vote. It turns out that dubious candidates get an extra chance, which is not very good.
Step 6
Various centers of statistics conduct surveys of the population, during which it turns out that most people are happy if the column "Against all" is returned, as it is associated with the ability to freely express their opinion. This does not mean that everyone will rush to choose this particular column. No more than 14% of voters voted against all, such data are published by VTsIOM.
