βSpoiled ballotsβ are how you cheat in a primarily paper ballot system. Donβt like the way someone voted? Declare their ballot spoiled.
And the abstention rate, the highest it has been since 1969, was by design. Driving the abstention rate up was one of the reasons the election was moved from its usual date in May to April, which coincided with vacation weeks in areas that would favor Le Pen.
The crowded first round likely played a role in the abstention rate too. Especially with the third largest voting block feeling once again they were cheated. But instead of their leader, Melonchon turning his ire toward the establishment, he pleaded for his supporters to reject Le Pen.
Finally and sadly, Le Pen does not have the ability to rally and energize disenfranchised voters the way President Trump can.
βSpoiled ballotsβ are how you cheat in a primarily paper ballot system. Donβt like the way someone voted? Declare their ballot spoiled.
And the abstention rate, the highest it has been since 1969, was by design. Driving the abstention rate up was one of the reasons the election was moved from its usual date in May to April, which coincided with vacation weeks in areas that would favor Le Pen.
The crowded first round likely played a role in the abstention rate too. Especially with the third largest voting block feeling once again they were cheated. But instead of their leader, Melonchon turning his ire toward the establishment, he pleaded for his supporters to reject Le Pen.
Finally and sadly, Le Pen does not have the ability to rally and energize disenfranchised voters the way President Trump can.