Compulsory Voting: Yes or No?

[Bluesince1979]

My vote is worthless given where i live , geriatric central is never goung to turn against the tories , i do vote but it is pretty pointless really

10 years ago id have said the same but the tide is turning noticeably at each election

Im pretty apolitical (in so much a party doesn't exist for me) but i have voted different ways and do see a difference now

 

[blue for life]

My vote is worthless given where i live , geriatric central is never goung to turn against the tories , i do vote but it is pretty pointless really

It is worth it if it helps dramatically reduce the Tory majority making them uncomfortable. I noted Worthing now has a Labour council doesn’t it? That makes the Tories very uncomfortable

 

[Manc in London]

Isn’t the point of democracy that you have a choice?

Compulsory voting is not inconsistent with the concept of democracy. Most people fail to understand the concept of democracy.

 

[Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese]

Compulsory voting is not inconsistent with the concept of democracy. Most people fail to understand the concept of democracy.

Should be compulsory but with a 'none of the above' option. That and PR might get us somewhere near actual democracy

 

[The Future’s Blue!]

Compulsory voting is not inconsistent with the concept of democracy. Most people fail to understand the concept of democracy.

Democracy is about governing by the majority, do you think that the 2/3rds who vote could force the others to do so?

You cannot even force somebody to register, not sure how they could force them to turn-up as well? I suppose you could give them a fine which they will fail to pay, then just got to find 10 million jail cells.

Silly, I know, but people should always have the right to turn-out, and that should always be part of a democratic society.

 

[Manc in London]

Democracy is about governing by the majority, do you think that the 2/3rds who vote could force the others to do so?

You cannot even force somebody to register, not sure how they could force them to turn-up as well? I suppose you could give them a fine which they will fail to pay, then just got to find 10 million jail cells.

Silly, I know, but people should always have the right to turn-out, and that should always be part of a democratic society.

Democracy is not about "governing by the majority", thank goodness. Otherwise would be sending people to prison for not indicating at a roundabout. It is far more nuanced.

Under compulsory voting, those who refuse to vote will be fined. Works fine in other countries. Voting should be part of citizenship, just as paying taxes and jury duty or paying taxes. Are these undemocratic? Think of the benefits of compulsory voting: those whose voices are not normally heard will be considered, political representatives with have more legitimacy and people will pay more attention to whether the Government is performing. It's the lack of engagement in politics that leads to more powerful interests being served.

Compulsory voting doesn't mean a forced choice of who to vote for. Those who do not wish to vote for an MP, can simply spoil their paper.

 

[Manc in London]

Should be compulsory but with a 'none of the above' option. That and PR might get us somewhere near actual democracy

That would be amusing. Could you imagine if the 'Neither' was more popular than the candidates? Hahaha We could then re-run the election with a completely fresh set of candidates. :)

I agree about PR.

 

[The Future’s Blue!]

Democracy is not about "governing by the majority", thank goodness. Otherwise would be sending people to prison for not indicating at a roundabout. It is far more nuanced.

Under compulsory voting, those who refuse to vote will be fined. Works fine in other countries. Voting should be part of citizenship, just as paying taxes and jury duty or paying taxes. Are these undemocratic? Think of the benefits of compulsory voting: those whose voices are not normally heard will be considered, political representatives with have more legitimacy and people will pay more attention to whether the Government is performing. It's the lack of engagement in politics that leads to more powerful interests being served.

Compulsory voting doesn't mean a forced choice of who to vote for. Those who do not wish to vote for an MP, can simply spoil their paper.

Wow, a little angry, pal. Yes it is very nuanced but, in reality, exactly as I said. Those who get the most votes get the mandate to govern the country. Some even go further and do what the hell they want, as per this government.

Quite simply, if I don’t want to vote then I’m not going to vote. Nobody is going to do anything about it and that’s the way it should be.

 

[Manc in London]

Wow, a little angry, pal. Yes it is very nuanced but, in reality, exactly as I said. Those who get the most votes get the mandate to govern the country. Some even go further and do what the hell they want, as per this government.

Quite simply, if I don’t want to vote then I’m not going to vote. Nobody is going to do anything about it and that’s the way it should be.

Haha. Not angry at all.

 

[abu13]

I wouldn't trust half the people I know to tie their own laces, I wouldn't want them voting :)