These two articles were orignally published by the Scottish Sunday Herald as part of their Argument of the week feature, the first, arguing against Parliamentary politics, was written by a member of Edinburgh Anarchist Federation.

YES: Terri Marquez

Let’s make two things clear. Refusal to vote is not equivalent to political apathy, and the same goes for parliamentary elections and democratic participation. Earlier this week, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reported that all three main parties are intending massive public spending cuts and all three are refusing to say where the axe will fall. If we aren’t told what we’re voting for, then our choice is less informed than that between Pepsi or Coca-Cola.

It would be an exageration to claim that election fever has hit the country. But as I sit and write this, I’ve just had two near identical leaflets delivered through my mailbox. One has a picture of that nice David Cameron smiling at me, the other the equally lovely Chris Davies beaming out. They come hot on the heals of a beautifully designed, stirringly patriotic piece from the not so nice Nick Griffin. Come June the 4th, though, I along with other class struggle anarchists will make the positive choice of not voting.