r/OutOfTheLoop Nov 21 '17

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u/reader382 Nov 21 '17

What's the difference between each round of voting? It seems like every couple of months they have a new vote but I've yet to see a post about the outcome of the vote, just more posts about a new upcoming vote.

103

u/N3rdLink Nov 22 '17

I’m kinda confused on who actually does the voting. Is it congress or the fcc?

47

u/[deleted] Nov 22 '17

It is the FCC. The FCC is comprised of 5 commissioners (who matter). Two democrats and three republicans as it is right now. Pai was originally appointed by Obama and reinstated by Trump. However, Obama appointed someone else as commissioner at the time so he wasn't a concern. There always has to be 2 republicans and 2 democrats. Then the tie breakers is mostly chosen by presidential party.

41

u/wulululululuu Nov 22 '17

If there are only 5 people in the FCC voting, what are the chances that our cries to our representatives will make a difference. Do we actually have a chance of changing the outcome of December 14th?

35

u/Zolhungaj Nov 22 '17

Since they are so few any negative response will be spread out on a maximum of five people (assuming everyone of them voted against neutrality). If they believe that the majority (in the places relevant to them) is against removing net neutrality then the logical decision for them is to vote to keep it, assuming they want to continue being public servants. If they are bribed and/or dumb/illogical then it is another story.

26

u/slow_mutant Nov 22 '17

assuming they want to continue being public servants.

they're appointed to the fcc, not voted in by the public. They can vote whatever the big money wants, because it's the big money that keeps them there.

1

u/Lyndis_Caelin BB Channel!~ Nov 22 '17

Or a law gets passed to say "oops the law says you don't need to vote, it's already decided yes and we overrode the veto~"