Saying "
none of the above" is of course a valid and important option in the
popular expression of political opinion. However, it is not
analogous to refraining from voting altogether - it is analogous to voting for a fringe candidate/party who stand sharply against the
establishment even though they have no hope of winning, or at best placing an empty/
blank/unpunched ballot in the
ballot box.
A refusal to vote is a refusal to acknowledge the country's democratic system. It is quite simply a declaration that one is content to have the decisions made for one by others. If you don't excercise your most fundamental right (and duty) by voting, how can you be said to be a democratic citizen of a democratic country? Certainly not through the freedoms and liberties you enjoy - those immediately become priviledges which can easily be revoked without any grounds for appeal on your side.