QOTW: Voting a Law??

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-26-2003
QOTW: Voting a Law??
9
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?


Powered by CGISpy.com
Community Leader
Registered: 07-26-1999
Mon, 11-10-2008 - 2:27pm

While I lurk on the Hot Debates board, I rarely post, but this one I actually did.

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-07-2005
Mon, 11-10-2008 - 2:52pm

We are a Democracy. It is our choice to vote or NOT! I do not agree with that being a law.


Nov-Queen.gif image by foxymomof3

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-17-2008
Mon, 11-10-2008 - 3:09pm

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 11-10-2008 - 3:21pm

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).

Photobucket
Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2005
Mon, 11-10-2008 - 4:57pm

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.

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2004
Mon, 11-10-2008 - 7:27pm

I would hate it if we were required to vote.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-12-2008
Mon, 11-10-2008 - 10:51pm
Democracy all the way. I don't like the idea of the government stepping in and controlling personal choices. I do think that people should vote but it's their choice. A friend of mine voted for what her husband wanted just to make him happy...to me that's throwing away your vote. That's what I think would happen if we were forced to vote... alot of half hearted voting. The people that care and want to see a difference do go out and vote. And in this country you can even mail in your ballot.

Sylvia's Siggy


Sylvia's Siggy

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-17-2007
Tue, 11-11-2008 - 10:08am

People

Photobucket
Community Leader
Registered: 12-16-2003
Tue, 11-11-2008 - 2:49pm
It would be a bad idea.

Ramona  Mom to 2 great kids and wife to one wonderful hubby since 1990!