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You were off from school for Election Day on November 5th. However, only 67 percent of American registered voters typically vote in elections.
In Australia, voter turnout is 95 percent of registered voters. The reason is simple: It's the law. Those who fail to vote risk a heavy fine and, in rare cases, imprisonment.
Read the information at: http://www.idea.int/vt/compulsory_voting.cfm
Then respond...Should the U.S. make voting compulsory?
In my opinion, the United Stated government should not make voting compulsory. The right of voting in election is granted to every citizen in this country, to enable them to participate in decision-making of politics. The government would be able to know its people ‘s will through voting and reinforce the democratic society. Even though there are many developed countries in the world, such as Belgium and Australia, that set voting as a mandatory responsibility of citizens to do, the United States should not be one of them.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, voting derived from democracy. It was made to give its people a voice in the government and let them represent their thoughts. However, making voting compulsory violated the principles of democracy itself, rather than promoted the election more fairly. People have the freedom of voting which is well protected by the First Amendment. Getting more people involved in politics when it is against their wills is not always good. Instead, it can corrupt the system.
It is a common sense that when somebody is forced to do something, he or she would usually mess it up purposely. And it is also true with voting. If people vote in election just because the mandatory law asks them to do so, otherwise they would be punished for not performing their duty, they would most likely pick one randomly who has the highest polls currently. People who get annoyed about this forced act may pick the one who they think is the least qualified to be the president for revenge.
Thirdly, enforcing the laws of voting requires large amount of money and labor. The outcome may not deserve the investment. So it is simply wasting the national sources.
I agree with Yundai. Making voting compulsory violates the principles of democracy. The United States should not make voting compulsory because you cannot force an individual to vote on something they have no interest in or may not even have knowledge of. The United States allows its citizen to be involved in the government and vote on who they wish to win an election. However, it should not be a mandatory option leading to punishing or imprisoning an individual because they chose not to vote. As a country of freedom the United States gives the citizen the option to vote if they would like to, not because they have to. If a citizen is obligated to vote on an election they refuse to vote it is limiting their freedom, because now they are voting because they have to not because they want to. With no interest in voting an individual may just choose the first person they see on the ballot to get it over with and move in with their day, not because they want a specific person to actually win the election. Forcing someone to participate in something they have no interest can just cause chaos. Just because other countries have made voting compulsory doesn't mean the United States has to do the same. Voting should be a right an individual has if they would like to vote, not forced among the ones who do not want to vote.
DeleteI believe both Yundai and Genesis' arguments are valid and I agree with them. Making voting necessary takes away the value of the votes of the people that made their voice heard for a cause, and not just to avoid punishment.
DeleteIt's stated in the Bill of Rights, that a citizen has the right to not incriminate themselves, and remain silent. Shouldn't that right not be infringed upon when choosing to have a voice in politics, or not?
Edward and Fabrizio also had good points. For the good of the country, you wouldn't want there to be uneducated votes being cast on pressing matters. All people's opinions do and should matter, but you can't force a person to express an opinion that they don't have.
I agree with Yundai's agrument, that voting shouldn't be mandatory in the United States. As citzens of the United States we have the right to vote, it's not an obilgation. If a person is forced to vote then they are voting for the wrong reason, just to void punishment, as Aidan stated. In my opinion, by forcing people to vote, they'll stop caring about who they're voting on or what they're voting for, and more about the consquence. Everyone should vote because it is important to be represented by someone who shares the same/similar ideas and beliefs as you. With that being said the real consquence of voting should be is that you may be represented by someone who has opposing views and not a fine or imprisonment.
DeleteI agree with what Yundai was saying about voting should be left to the freedom of individuals not mandatory by government law. The idea of voting is for the people who are being governed to be able to make some decisions with in their government of their own choice. However, with other rights we have such as the first amendment of freedom speech, press, and religion as known as freedom of choice to an extent, which allows us to choose whether we want participate in the decisions of our government or not. I believe freedom of choice is very important in almost every situation, although if voting was mandatory it would be easier for the government to have a general idea of what the whole population wants for themselves. Our government is based off of a democracy, thus were voting came from to give the people a choice in their government. Although, wouldn’t it be ironic to make voting mandatory when it was created to give people choices, however by doing that the government would be taking a way our choice of making choices or not. Also as Yundai said to even enforce a law such as that the government would have to waste money and labor power that could be used on something else.
DeleteI think that it is important to have every citizen vote in elections so that elections can better reflect the public's opinion. The only issue is the education of the voters who were forced to vote. Imagine you had no interest in any election but the government said if you don't vote they will throw you in jail; you would probably select any random candidate and get on with your life having no idea who you supported or what the candidate believed. How could that reflect the Nation's views?
ReplyDeleteMany people didn't even know there was an election this month or even what positions were open. I'm sure most people reading this will be surprised to hear that a new mayor of NYC was elected, as well as some county officials. The only reason I know of the mayor is because his son has a huge Afro.
My point is that forcing all citizens to vote would only help if education about the candidates were more widespread. Even the education that is televised is just propaganda spread by opposition.
I agree with Edward, in that it is important to give every citizen a vote in elections, and I do agree that forcing people to vote, and them not knowing anything about what or who they are voting for could cause some problems. Having a majority of the people vote blind is worse than having fewer people vote at all, at least those who do vote on their own free will would have at least some idea about what they are voting for. The United States should not make voting compulsory, however they should encourage voting, and politicians should focus more time on spreading their ideas that can benefit the community. While we live in this country, we have the freedom to or not to vote, making those who couldn't care less about who’s running their town, can make the wrong people come into power just by chance.
DeleteI also agree with Edward because mandatory voting would ensure that every voice was heard. I think of voting not only as a right, but as a civic duty as well. I understand his point about the education of voters that would only be voting to avoid a jail sentence, however I believe that mandatory voting would stress the importance of the people's voice and that people would eventually become more involved naturally.
DeleteSome people have responded saying that forcing people to vote violates democracy's true principles. However, the true principle of democracy is that everyone has a say in their government, and casting a vote is the only way that most Americans get involved. If a person over the age of eighteen can not make an educated decision in an election, the issue does not lie in mandating voting, but in the voting age overall.
Americans know the importance and power of their votes, but there are not enough people actually making their ways to the polls. The same people who fail to vote are the same people who complain the most. If these people are forced to vote, this may mean new things for democracy where independent candidates actually have a chance. I think one of the main reasons why people fail to vote is because there is a lack of choice on the ballots, forcing people to vote may change this.
In addition to this, mandatory voting for "smaller positions" (mayor, senator, etc.) could lead to greater developments in individual regions.
Anyway, it will probably never happen, but mandatory voting can be a good thing for the nation. However, as many of you have already pointed out, it can also do harm.
I totally agree both Edward, because in the grand scheme of things most people don’t vote, because no one enforces their voting rights. If the voters were forced to vote, the country as a whole would become more democratic, and in turn help out the American people, because most of the time people don’t know that they have to vote on a certain day, and if they are now being forced to do so, they should be educated and informed of what occurs within their community and country as a whole. This should be done, in this country people should learn to appreciate their voting rights as American citizens everyone should have a say in their government, of which they now from part of. The republic should be represented by all citizens not just those who are educated, and informed about their voting within their community and country as a whole.
DeleteI don't believe voting should be mandatory in the US. We have a right to vote just as well as we have a right not to vote. Forcing people to vote would be taking away the right of having a choice, and that goes against the American way of living. The people who go out, and vote are the educated people who want to see change happen for the better of their country, the other people are the typical people who are always talking about how bad our government is but don't do anything about it. If we force people to vote then these will be the same people who will ruin elections for the people who are actually educated on the facts of each candidate. If anything, voting should be a privilege for those people who care enough to come out and do it. It shows how your ideas matter when it comes to down to the nitty gritty
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jason’s argument about voting. However large amounts of Americans are not voting because of obscure reasons. I would like for there to be a way to MAKE people vote for governors, mayors, senators, etc. Honestly, the only thing the government can do is urge the people. Forcing Americans to vote would be against their rights and that would make this country no longer a democracy. That would be quite ironic. The country, who fought/fights for democracy around the world, is the one to force people to vote. If less and less people vote each year, the choosing of presidents will be decided inside the House of Representatives. Then it is going to be like the Election of 1800, where Thomas Jefferson won the presidency.
DeleteI also agree with Jason's argument about being forced to vote in elections. People should not be forced to vote it takes away their right to have a choice and if it is against their free will it's more likely that they won't care and just pick someone they know nothing about. Just randomly picking people to become officials in your countries government is bound to end up with bigger problems to deal with in the future and the person chosen could end up being like Hitler which is not good. Voting should be a honor those who are educated enough to listen to what is being proposed by the candidates and analyze what could be the right path to go down. Those who complain about how the government is messed up and do nothing should be left doing nothing.
DeleteI agree with both Mauricio and Jason, Americans shouldn't be forced into voting. Our country is based on democracy and freedom, so if we were to imprison and punish those that choose not to vote, then we'd be going against the foundation of our nation. Voting is something that should be chosen, not be shoved down a person's throat. Although we should urge more Americans to vote, to create more diversity in the voting system.
DeleteI don't believe that the U.S. should make voting compulsory because it is a right for a citizen to make a decision if they want to vote to select their representative. Those who choose not to vote cannot be angry how the outcome turns out because they believed that their vote would not matter or would be a waste of time. Some that choose not to vote usually are undecided as well which can be factor as well. According the article above, countries that make voting compulsory see that those who are forced to vote just either fill in blanks or circle in random answers. This proves not to be very effective as people are only voting to make their government satisfied and not seeking a change for the better for themselves. I think it is just absurd to see people being forced to vote even though it is essential for the governments to hear the citizens' voiced opinions. There should be a way for the US to encourage people to vote instead of sharing vile political banter that might discourage voters. Going about a different route to getting people out to vote will be much better than making voting compulsory and resulting in many revolts.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it should be a duty for American citizens to vote during elections. This should be so because if you are U.S. residant, you may be impacted by reforms or issues that are relevant to your circumstance. Hence, if you do not take the opportunity to vote for a representative who promotes your ideologies, you will not have an influence over descisions that are made. Once you exempt yourself from voting you are not only limiting yourself of opportunities to make a difference, but also makes it difficult for people who advocate your beliefs to make reforms. Considering that only 67% of eligible voters vote on election day, I believe that voting should be mandatary and penalties should be given to those whom do not abide. This should be so because including the votes of the other 33% of eligible voters during election periods will have a tremendous impact on the outcomes of economic, political, and social issues or affairs in the U.S. Ensuring that all eligible voters vote on election day would might at least enable people to become more receptive towards significant issues that are relevant in our country. As part of our roles as U.S. citizens, making contributions to the welfare of the nation is crucial, therefore voting, should be a task that all citizens should complete. Also, as a growing nation, it is difficult to perceive the views of the people in order to meet our needs. Therefore having all eligible voters vote, especially those who can represent people who are not American citizens, can help America moved forward united.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I agree with Edward's opinion that every U.S. citizen should have a vote during election periods.
DeleteI agree with Lobyre and Edward beause there are mny people who do not vote and then complain about what our countryy is not doing or what our country is doing wrong but when it comes down to it, it is partially their fault for not giving their own opinion and placing that vote in. People might think that their vote is just one vote but if multiple people say that same statement to themselves, thats a huge number of people not voting. I do not believe these people should be punished because they will already be punished when some decision made to our country or residential area is not to their liking and they can not do anything about. they will just kick themselves knowing after the election that they could have helped been a factor in not letting that person get into office from the start.
DeleteI agree with Miguel's post. Having citizens vote would lead to a better nation, if less than half the nation is voting and more than 70% are complaining that it should better, it is definitely their faults.
DeleteI believe that voting should be a law in the United States. If voting was mandatory, it would allow citizens to do more research on the party that they are voting for. Most Americans believe since they are a Democrat or Republican, that they should vote for that party. What if presidential candidates of these parties made reforms to what they believe in? Mandatory votes would help our society become more stable then what it actually is. If research shows less than 50% (less than HALF) the United States voted, what would the impact be if it were at least 80%? This is why a law must be implemented. Americans claim to want a better society but don't do anything that would largely improve it? There can't be a better society if the voting for our leader isn't accurate. Now, imprisonment for not voting is unecessary as this will only cause more problems in the U.S. The first amendment would constantly be a factor and possibly cause a division. A simple fine is more realistic. Overall, there should be more authority over citizens and voting as this could lead to a better nation
ReplyDeleteI agree with Travon's statement about how people want to make a change in this country but aren't attempting to do anything about it. More votes would only increase alterations in our society and allow every opinion to be heard. You can't expect a particular change if you aren't doing anything yourself to try and make that change occur. The U.S. should make voting compulsory because it would allow citizens to actually take participate in what's occurring in their country and comprehend that they can actually make an effort to enhancing the nation into a more fit society. Implying imprisonment over a mandatory voting law is absolutely absurd. This would only conclude is mass hysteria & unnecessary issues. Authority should be used as a tactic to get people to vote and if they don't, a simple and moral punishment should be carried out.
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DeleteWhile Travon and Miguel both made good points about making voting mandatory, and how it can affect society greatly if all Americans voted, there is always the underlying question of “will this affect our country in a positive or negative way?” The article states that in many countries there is “the possible high number of "random votes". Voters who are voting against their free will, may check off a candidate at random, particularly the top candidate on the ballot. The voter does not care whom they vote for as long as the government is satisfied that they fulfilled their civic duty.” Oddly enough making voting mandatory could put this country in major turbulence because of the possibility of those people who just want to “get it over with” or don’t agree/have mixed views with the politician’s points in their electoral speeches. Those people, having that right to keep to themselves, and not vote are making an effort to help by not just going to vote for someone they don’t support. This government is a government “for the people, by the people” so if they find it necessary to stay out of the political events going on in the country, in essence they have the power and the right to do that. Another point that can be made is how politics have changed greatly since our country has been established, and many politicians put fluff in their speeches to win the crowd over, and pay for commercials that destroy the others running for the same position in order to put themselves on this pedestal. While this may work for the people who vote for them, this can also cause many Americans to question their credentials, and how much they REALLY are thinking about the country, and the people in the country. When asked about a Supreme Court finance case President Obama states “And I continue to believe that Citizens United Contributed to some of the problems we’re having in Washington today. You know, you have some ideological extremist who has big bankroll and they can entirely skew our politics, and there are a whole bunch of members of Congress right now who privately will tell you, I know our positions are unreasonable, but we’re scared that if we don’t go along with the tea party agenda or some particularly extremist agenda that we’ll be challenged from the right, and the threats are very explicit, so they toe the line. That’s part of why we’ve seen a breakdown of just normal routine business done here in Washington on behalf of the American people.” Showing how politicians and even the people, nowadays have skewed the country’s views on politics and the government just because they have money in the bank. And if the nation, instead of seeing it as Democrats v. Republicans, saw it as Politician v. The Nation, the country would become more unified in its political decisions and it would in essence create the ideal government for the people, by the people, as it was originally supposed to be.“The law is only a memorandum. We are superstitious, and esteem the statute somewhat: so much life as it has in the character of living men, is its force. The statute stands there to say, yesterday we agreed so and so, but how ye feel this article today? Our statute is a currency , which we stamp our own portrait: it soon becomes unrecognizable, and in process of time returns to the mint.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
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