should people who don't care be encouraged to vote?

Question

I don't mean to say anyone shouldn't have the right to vote, just if anyone WANTS the support of people who don't really care.

Answer 1

Interestingly enough, in Australia we have compulsory voting. Although it has been argued that it is in itself inheirantly undemocratic to force people to become franchisees in the political process, all independant studies and surveys have proved that because of compulsory voting, Australian's are amongst the most politically astute people in the world. As a result of being made to vote, they take more of an interest in the running and politics of the country. I actually think this is a good thing. It keeps the politicians (slightly) more honest as they known they are more likely to be hald accountable. Worth a consideration for the US and UK, both of which have below %50 of eligable voters turn out...

Answer 2

Yes. People should always be encouraged to vote. Democracy suffers when a significant portion of the population is disengaged with the political process.

However, how one would encourage people to vote is another issue altogether. I don't agree with compulsory voting. I see the right 'not to vote' as a legitimate expression of protest. I question rac_fleming's claim that Australians are more "politically astute" because of compulsory voting.

I also don't agree with the other extreme, i.e. Atheist's idea. This presents a cynical view of the political system. I would suggest to Atheist that President Bush won office through smart political manoeuvring rather than through any lack of intelligence on behalf of the American people.

Answer 3

The ones who don't care should be encouraged 'to' care and vote. Then the government will be more representative of the people.

Answer 4

It is already happening. Each election year, we have presidential hopefuls reaching out to the mexicans, cubans, etc. who are in our country, trying desperately to get them to vote-- and in one campaign about two or three elections ago, we had one candidate who went to speak in front of a bunch of people, the majority of which spoke no english, in hopes of getting their vote. They couldn't understand what he was saying but they knew this important man was there just for them, so they voted for him.

Why do you think that compromises in the illegal immigration laws are being made? It is so the republicans will get the high volume of votes once the illegal immigrants become legal and can vote. They will remember that it was a Republican who gave them a chance to live legally in this country, and they will vote republican.

Many voters do not care who wins-- when I was in my early 20s (over ten years ago), I didn't care who won, but I knew it was my duty to vote, so I voted for the one who spoke the best, and who dressed the best. I knew nothing about them or their policies, but I knew that if I was going to see someone on TV almost every day for the next four years, I wanted him to be well dressed and well spoken. Then when that person was voted in, and I actually heard what they were saying, I decided to educate myself about politics and policy and now I can have an informed decision when I am voting.

So many people who vote do not care-- like with this election-- I hear plenty of people saying "I do not care who is running, I am voting democrat because Bush is a republican". So we may end up with someone much worse than Bush just because of that reason.

We need to come up with ways to educate potential voters, not to follow what we are (dem or rep. ) but rather to listen to policy and debates and see where the candidates stand before they go into the polls.

Answer 5

If someone doesn't want to vote for any of the candidates they should still go and vote. Even if voting means destroying the ballot. At least it is an expression of their voice and hopefully, if enough people destroy their ballot, people may take notice and work to bridge the differences of opinion. By taking no action, their disaproval is simply viewed as laziness.

Answer 6

If people don't vote, they should lose some of their 1st ammendment rights.

Like those idiots in Hollywood who wore those "vote or die" shirts and were so vocal about the views they are suppost to have (I'd say their views but then I'd be a liar) and after all they go through they don't even vote! Cut thier mics!

Answer 7

Voting is what has gotten us in the mess we are in now. Same old fools everytime. People need to revolt and take back the government.

Answer 8

"voting" is a farce to the American people. It is RIGGED whoever
wins. The whitehouse or (government) just wants us to THINK
we have a say. Come on....you all believe that bull sh*t ??
yeah, if it makes ya feel better go out and vote. Because
according to the gov it is our choice, the majority rules. HA

Answer 9

I would suggest testing IQ. Want to vote - pass simple 'multiple choice' test (math/history). Higher test result - higher weight of your vote. Then a stupid son of a president would never get elected.

Answer 10

no ,i don't vote, don't care to. they put in the seat who they want. i'm 42, never voted for president, i just might if they paid me very big time.