Mandatory Voting in the United States?

[Franzl]

Lean against. Although it would still be better than the crazy system of voter registration that exists now.

[Franzl]

I fully support mandatory voting everywhere.

What penalty do you propose for those who don't vote if it's mandatory?

You could get a moderate fine after the 2nd missed vote, gradually increasing as you miss more elections.

Of course, mandatory voting would also imply making voting much easier, through stuff like early voting, mail voting, universal registration, etc.

I'm all for making voting easier and ensuring that every voter is automatically registered, but I don't believe mandatory voting would suddenly lead to greatly increased political awareness. And if someone doesn't know or care enough to vote despite it being easy and accessible, I doubt him doing so would benefit the political system.

[Franzl]

I disagree with that. Anyone, regardless of their competence or interest in politics, should be able to express their voice in the democratic process.

Although I agree with this in principle, I don't think it's very realistic. A large number of people literally know nothing about parties, candidates, ideologies or policies. I don't believe mandatory voting would suddenly cause people to become more politically aware. Whose fault this is, is up for debate, of course, and there is a strong correlation between wealth and political participation that isn't healthy.

That said, I think you'd have lots of people just randomly selecting a name, maybe based on which one sounds best. Or marking the first one on the ballot. Some might just vote invalidly, but those that do that on purpose are probably not those that are the least informed.

I think practical reasons are sufficient to oppose this, even if it's a nice idea in theory.

[Franzl]

They still should be able to express their ridiculously misinformed choices.

I think you're arguing for mandatory voting? So you don't want them to be able to vote, you want them to be obligated to vote.

And what if their ridiculously misinformed choice amounts to them voting for "Newt Gingrich" because Newt sounds like a cool name?

I don't really get what is gained by having that opinion expressed?

[Franzl]

In short, they do have opinions on stuff, and if we are a true democracy, their opinions should be taken into account regardless of what we think of them.

I think this is a wonderful argument for ensuring universal ability to vote, but I don't believe it's a good one for mandatory voting.

If everyone is able to participate (something that's not necessarily true in the States right now, that obviously should be changed....even if it won't), then I would argue that choosing not to vote is also a demonstration of one's opinion.

[Franzl]

Why stop there?  If the goal is to make sure even participates in the political process whether they like it or not, how about mandating everyone has to run for office?

I'd have nothing against this, if it wasn't so impractical (endless ballots, tons of paperwork, etc)

Would you also force them to accept the office if they win?

[Franzl]

Why stop there?  If the goal is to make sure even participates in the political process whether they like it or not, how about mandating everyone has to run for office?

I'd have nothing against this, if it wasn't so impractical (endless ballots, tons of paperwork, etc)

Would you also force them to accept the office if they win?

Nah, since there's no way to ensure they'd effectively perform their office. Still, since it's effectively impossible to win without campaigning, this wouldn't happen.

So what's the point then? I understand you said it's not practical. This is obviously true, but I don't see what's preferable about it in theory either.