QOTW: Voting a Law??
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QOTW: Voting a Law??
| Mon, 11-10-2008 - 1:30pm |
(borrowed this topic from the HOT DEBATES board--written by cl-tashib)
So we had dismal voter turnout in Canada for our recent federal elections. Just under 59% voter turnout which is an all time low.
I think US Voter turn is even lower - but someone can correct me if I am wrong - I looked here: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781453.html
This has lead to some debate in the media in "legislating" the vote: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsory_voting Meaning you would have to vote by law, and would be fined if you did not vote (similar to Austraila).
What do you think of this idea and why?

While I lurk on the Hot Debates board, I rarely post, but this one I actually did.
We are a Democracy. It is our choice to vote or NOT! I do not agree with that being a law.
I have to agree that we have the RIGHT to vote....maybe the duty as well....but we shouldnt HAVE to.
If you are disinterested, dont want to take the time to learn the issues, or feel you cannot make a conscious decision then you SHOULDNT vote.
But I think the problem is because the electoral college has madei t so people feel powerless....if they come from a republican state but they are democratic, why vote?
My Kids and Me in Northern Ireland 2008 - The Giants Causeway ** Sue
OH goodness, that's a horrible idea! All that will do is force people to vote when they haven't done any research at all. The ideals of our country are being slowly eroded away, and if we are FORCED to vote, my goodness, what do we stand for?
No, no, NO. I have the right to not vote if choose to do so (but I rarely do, and then only in minor elections in which I haven't done my homework on the candidates).
Voter turnout was so low in Canada because it was our 3rd effing election in 4 years. LOL
There weren't any pressing issues, or new charismatic leaders, just a power hungry smug Prime Minister who wanted to go from a minority on the House to a Majority. Thankfully THAT didn't happen. Anyway, I don't think voter turnout is ever a lot higher than that, because most people don't care. Politicians don't speak to the things a lot of people care about and since we don't have rep by pop, voting doesn't ensure that your voice is going to be heard, so why bother.
I don't think forcing people to vote will work. I think for Canada, the electoral system needs to be revamped,and politicians should starting discussing some of the issues that regular people care about. it would also help if they weren't smarmy. The only BRIGHT spot in Canada is we don't seem, as a whole, to care that much about the moral leanings of the leaders like in the states. That would drive me bonkers.
That being said, I voted. I always vote. But if some legislation was put into place, I probably would not vote and take the fine just to prove a point.
I would hate it if we were required to vote.
People
Ramona Mom to 2 great kids and wife to one wonderful hubby since 1990!