Generations have fought for the right to vote, but people should have the choice to abstain too. Naturally there are issues in some states about voter registration and being eligible, but there are people who choose not to vote as well as those who are prevented from voting. Mandatory voting in the US would be expensive to implement and then there are rights. If people don't have a candidate they like, then they can opt not to vote. Consider then the implications of finding runaways, people with fake identities, those living off the grid, and illegals. That would create more things to solve.
I'm not sure how they would implement or enforce this if it ever became a thing in the UK, although it might help in some ways because during the last election I think around just over half the population turned out to vote. I've always felt that voting is a choice though and I really think it should be kept as that. Once you become the voting age it's your right to vote, but that's not to say you have to do it.
I don't think a person should be forced to vote but I think it is very important to exercise your right to vote. Voting is a privilege and you are given a chance to vote your opinion and have a say. It bothers me that so many people just don't vote or pay much attention to anything political. They have no clue what is going on and they don't even care.
So if the person chooses to leave his ballot empty or blank, is that okay? I guess mandatory voting, I'm fine with it as long as leaving the ballot empty or some spaces blank is fine because that can be the voter's choice. I do understand the need for voting as well. Many people complain about the government when they didn't even participate in the elections and voting. I think as citizens, we do have an obligation to vote for the rightful people in our government.
It's funny you mention this, I was just talking to a guy from Brazil and we somehow got on this topic. They have mandatory voting there, and even though he's here in Canada on a student visa he would be required as a Brazilian citizen to go to an embassy if there was an election and put in a vote. BUT he said leaving it blank is fine. I actually really like this idea, it actually makes a lot of sense, it's not forcing you to vote for someone but you still have to make an effort for democracy. I see a HUGE difference in not voting, and not voting for someone. I don't know how other countries do it, but making everyone vote and having "abstain" and "no confidence" as legit options would speak more then just having XX% not vote.
Trying to force people to vote only validates what people say that it is a sham designed to keep people running on a hamster wheel while the real decisions are made behind closed doors without their consent or input on it. This should really be obvious to people by now, but it never ceases to amaze me how people don't get this. Maybe people are getting it though, and that's why they are trying to force them to play their game still?
Only the conspiracy nut jobs and chumps for Trump say that sort of thing though. Political apathy is a real problem, I think mandatory voting could change that.
Voting is a huge scam to deceive the people. It literally doesn't matter at all. Presidents are selected, not elected.
Forcing someone to vote doesn't seem like democracy to me. If someone doesn't care. Then they shouldn't vote. If someone doesn't like the candidates, then they shouldn't have to vote.
That's the point actually, you nailed it! You have to make an effort to vote because it's not only your right, it's your obligation as well. If you live in a certain place, you have the obligation to choose which people are qualified to run your place. I guess that's just my two cents about it.
