Compulsory Voting

[Pokerface]

What is your opinion on compulsory voting. There are many countries around the world that is enforced with fines, tough or very inconvenient penalties levied. Considering low voter turnout in many countries over the past few years and elections perhaps not as reflective as one would think how do you feel about compulsory voting? Personally I am all in favour of compulsory voting and getting those that are more complacent or just satisfied complaining rather than making a difference out to vote.

[Mattbar]

It baffles me why more people don't vote considering how hard fought democratic freedom has been across the world. A little look at history should be enough to make anyone vote.

Compulsory voting is not very democratic in my opinion. People can still deliberately spoil their ballots if they want to under a compulsory system anyway.

I think voting should be made easier, there should be some form of electronic voting system and the ballot boxes should be open for a week not a single day to give people the best opportunity to vote.

It also helps when people believe in what they are voting for. Modern politics is full of either trained politicians with their usual lying soundbites and rhetoric or weird morons like Trump and Farage.

[Triple7]

Difficult.

In the end, I think it's not the solution. People can have many reasons why they do not vote. A low turnout should be a signal, but it clearly is not to the politicians or they just do not care. It's all about winning elections, politicians, and their supporters less and less care about how elections are won.

It's also a thing politicians do not want to burn their hands on, because it's very difficult to predict what will happen in many countries if the 50% that doesn't even vote, will come to vote or if the 50% that has to vote by law will stay at home when they do not need to vote by law anymore.

I think it is a fact that a significant part of the people just are not giving a damn. For them, all politicians are the same or they just bother their own stuff and no macro-things.

I go to vote always, but I do agree it's difficult. Politicians are more like actors nowadays. They do all to get your vote and after the elections, every statement they made is like toilet paper.

[DanHorvat]

Anything compulsory is bad.

How do you expect to make sick people and disabled people go vote? How about people who have some serious business that day?

Depending on the election rules, a person who stays home usually doesn't affect the overall outcome of the election. They just remove themselves from the voting body, and have a full right to do so.

The act of not voting is also a vote of sorts.

Plus, it's a politician's job to motivate his electorate to turn up. If you'd remove that you'd make their job much easier.

Also...if I was forced to vote I'd just make my ballot invalid by circling both candidates. You can't force people.

[TheGooner]

Why would you force people to vote?
If people don't care enough to vote, then they probably did not bother to inform themselves about the issues involved.

Having people that do NOT vote actually improves (very slightly) the impact of informed voters - and is a good thing.

[WagerJoint]

I like the idea because it would help create a government more represented by the people and it would also get more people involved in the democratic process. But on the other hand, there is a risk those forced to vote would not be voting based on policy or rational thinking but voting based on hype,fear, media bias, political correctness, hyper conformity and or other emotions. But maybe this is how people vote anyway so its difficult to say.

But either way, I would only support compulsory voting if sick/disabled people were exempt and there was an option on the ballet to vote for neither party.

[sparky1]

I agree with it 100%. Voting is a luxury and to ignore the opportunity is shameful. The only exception I would expect is when doing so in countries where doing so could bring violence.

[Renee]

It's compulsory to vote in Australia. If you're not able to get to a voting booth on the day for whatever reason, you're able to submit a postal vote beforehand.

I always forget about voting day until I drive past a school and see all the signs outside. I've almost missed it a few times.

It would be interesting to see how many people wouldn't vote if it wasn't compulsory. Aussie politics has gone downhill the last few years.

[toshivyas]

it very nice to give vote and select best politician to bring changes in our country.

[Miles_Videoslots]

In SA its not but i do think everyone should try at least to once vote it at some stage it could make the difference your 1 vote

[Muppet]

on the other hand, there is a risk those forced to vote would not be voting based on policy or rational thinking but voting based on hype,fear, media bias, political correctness, hyper conformity and or other emotions. But maybe this is how people vote anyway so its difficult to say.

Au contraire, in countries with non compulsory voting these exact same things are used to scare people into not voting. As we have seen in the USA in recent times. eg the year George Dubya Bush stole the election there were robo calls the night before voting to low income areas warning people that if they have an outstanding arrest warrant they will be arrested if they try to vote. Total BS but designed to prevent a group of people from voting who traditionally vote for one party. I'm sure the other guys have probably tried it on with similar tricks on other occasions.

Like Renee says, voting is compulsory here in Aus but it isn't really. It is compulsory to turn up and have your name ticked off but you can just throw the ballot in the bin or draw picture on it after that if you want. Its just about as effective as voting depending on where you live. Like America, elections here aren't really about the whole country, just the close swing seats that could go either way. Whoever wins those wins the elections because of the majority of people vote for the same clowns every single time because they support a political party like a football team rather than apply any critical thinking to their vote.

[FictionNet]

Anything compulsory is bad.

You're a scary man, Dan, but I agree with you alot. I think we'd get along.

[Pokerface]

Enjoying reading everyone's replies and perspective, thanks for the input. Certainly very thought provoking for both sides of the argument. I feel it is important to minimize complacency and get as many people's voices heard and not just sit back. Seems like so many election held with people waking up in the morning wondering what just happened. Living in Canada, not compulsory, we have experienced our share of OMG moments the next morning.

[sweetbet]

I only vote because it is compulsory here in Australia. I vote for the party that I think is the better choice even though I might not fully agree with its policies. Which is the lesser of the two evils?

[Miles_Videoslots]

Votes Matter in some cases your vote could mean the difference between Anarchy and Democracy

[KatePage]

Also...if I was forced to vote I'd just make my ballot invalid by circling both candidates. You can't force people.

that's what many people do but in fact it does not bring results and some may even use it

[Former Member 14]

The ballot paper I adorn with smiley faces here in AussieLand. The saugage sizzle outside to voting poll, is the best. The rest is a load of bollocks.