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Voting should be compulsory.
MY POINT OF VIEW: "Voting should be compulsory. To be a true democratic society, all citizens should be required to vote." Compulsory voting ensures a greater level of democracy as it raises the level of participation in the election process, being one of the most fundamental features of a democracy. The democratic principle of "majority rule" can only truly apply where a majority of the population vote. Some may argue that compelling a citizen to vote is undemocratic. "Compulsory voting" however does not require you to vote, but simply to turn up on election day and have your name marked off the electoral role - there is no need to lodge a vote. Alternatively, if you choose not to do this, generally a small fine will be levied. How is this more undemocratic than all the other fines we pay, such as parking tickets ? Compulsory voting does raise the general awareness of the population about the democratic process, the candidates and the issues. Simply knowing that you will have to turn up on election day (or choose to pay a fine instead) raises people's and the media's interest in the electoral process and therefore ultimately increases true voter engagement in the democratic process. Australia, which has "compulsory voting" has had an average 95% voter turnout in the 14 Federal lower house elections between 1960 to 1995. The US has had an average 54% voter turnout in the 9 Congressional elections in the same period. In the 2004 US Presedential election, 50.73% of people voted for George W Bush with a voter turnout of 59%. How can the democractic principles of "majority rules" apply when only 29.9% of the population vote for the ultimate winner? Is this democratic - I think not. In a democracy voting should be a RIGHT and DUTY not a choice. |
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This intel was contributed by cardart
cardart
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May, 2012
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