Ok, I think we would be better served if each topic had its own thread. Might make responding to something specific a bit easier than saying, "I disagree with point 27 of your OP."
So... Here's a separate thread on the topic of compulsory voting. Let's try to keep it a BIT focused.
Personally, I think that voter turnout levels are woefully low. Especially when you include primaries and off-year elections. But, is compulsory voting the answer? No. Unfortunately, a large part of the populace (In terms of the U.S. and the West) do not care enough about politics and the elective process. Making voting mandatory would not change this, they would simply go in and make an uninformed decision. Yes, that happens already, but exacerbating the problem is the last thing we need. This is how we get asshats in positions of power that make great sound bites, but are, in reality, fairly incompetent or corrupt.
The ONLY way compulsory voting could work was if there were also compulsory service (military or social) to expose voters to other segments of society AND mandatory testing of history (especially the founding of the country) and current events. If a person just failed a "Jaywalking" quiz, then we can't expect them to make a rational, informed decision on our elected leaders.
If someone is more concerned with the latest Hollywood tripe reality show, and can't show the effort to become informed on issues and candidates, then I'll be damned if they should then be required to have a say in such important matters such as tax rates, foreign policy, environmental concerns, education, etc. Note I said required. They still have the right, and I'm not talking about taking that away from them. If they want to spend their time sniffing nail polish and watching whatever, that's on them.
Compulsory voting
Started By
CeltSoldierKev
, Oct 30 2014 08:17 AM
15 replies to this topic
#1
Posted 30 October 2014 - 08:17 AM