Should the UK government make voting compulsory and fine people who do not vote?

Answer 1

Yes it is about time the UK becomes as responsible as some of her former colonies, good example is Australia, we all vote therefore we all have a right to speak freely about the government because no Australia subject or citizen (there is a difference) "not my fault I didn't vote"

Answer 2

I used to be a firm advocate for compulsory voting until I went away travelling. In some of the countries I went to where it was compulsory to vote people felt that it was a fallacy because they felt that there either wasn't a genuine option at the ballot box, too much corruption, and/or the not true democracy because the sitting President or whatever had done something to change the constitution and - for example, enabled themselves to re-stand or something. Whilst these countries were far younger democracies than the UK it was interesting to hear about the backlash that can occur with compulsory voting. After learning about that I wonder whether there is some merit to allowing people to negate their ballot paper in some way if they do not want to vote for any of the candidates on offer. I actually know of people who vote because they believe if it is their right and they want to preserve that but put a line through the paper because they don't want to vote for any of the people on offer already and I think that is acceptable. If people had to vote I do think that people would take more time to find out what they were actually voting for and we might - in a generation or so - really reverse the trend for voter apathy. So, on balance, we should do more to encourage people to participate and if that means making it compulsory so be it - so long as people are aware that they have an option for voting for no-one if they truly want to be a conscientious objector.

Incidentally - to the person who says ban postal voting - everyone over a certain age now has an automatic right to a postal vote, as do those who work away from home or work shifts. Do you think that all nurses should have to take an hour off their shift so they can get to the ballot box? Or that someone who is old and/or infirm should walk into the often difficult to access polling stations?

And to those suggesting an idiot proof test for voters - where do you draw the line? I might perceive an idiot as someone who is disadvantaged, gay, black and working in the arts but a staunch Tory; you might perceive it as something else entirely so who would set this test to ensure it didn't have a political bias?

And the final thought on this - prisoners can't vote but there is a legal action being taken by a prisoner to challenge this through the European courts - should they be able to vote?

Answer 3

Yes, but the fine should only be implemented if they whinge about the government they couldn't be bothered to vote against.

Or put another way if there's no demand for the "democracy product" then who's to stop UK plc or USA plc from withdrawing it. People who don't vote endanger the rights of others who do want to. Being obliged to vote doesn't mean having to vote for anyone you disagree with - in countries that have such a system you can tick the "they're all useless" or, as it's more commonly called, "no preference" box.

Being forced to vote is no worse than being forced to pass a driving test or forced to wear a safety belt. And may well stop further infringements of our liberties by governments taking advantage of apathy and lack of interest in politics.

Answer 4

Why do you think the UK government should make voting compulsory and fine people who do not vote? What are the benefits of compulsory voting?

Answer 5

I have been eligible to vote since 1972. However, I have never as yet entered a poling station to cast a vote in a General or Local Authority election nor have I taken part in a referndum.

I consider voting to be akin to giving away my Right of Attorney, just as in the RLS passage posted earlier.

Despite considering myself to be a loyal law abiding subject to HM & UK, [paying taxes and other duties] I have never given any UK government the right to act on my behalf.

If compusory voting was brought into affect, I would probably be subjected to the penalties exacted. May be spending time in prison.

We just have to look at 1933 Germany where compulsory voting was law. Adolph Hitler instigated that and abolished it once He became Chancellor.

As I sit here writing this, I consider myself to be a free thinking, free governing individual.

Immediately being elected to govern on our behalf, the elected government [local, regional, national and Continental] treats their electorate with supercilious contempt.

Your friend Tony committed Britain to illegal occupations of two countries - Iraq and Afghanistan - for absolutely no true purpose.

Thus, despite very strong public petition & protest. He ignored many members of His cabinet and even more members of the Labour Party who urged Him not to invade.

Others had their reputations and lives destroyed on His alter of vainglorious self-gratification.

Thus shows clearly what democracy means to Him and His sycophanatic supporters.

Forty British servicemen have been killed in Afghanistan, many others will be injured both physically and psychologically; for what? More are being killed and maimed in Iraq, for what?

Answer 6

That would be another 'fine' way for the do-nothing brigade to raise cash for the government along the lines of speed cameras.
Great idea, keep it to yourself.
People should want to vote and that can only come from motivation, respect, and following the example of others.
Unfortunately that's too thin on the ground, they'd rather be watching 'Big Bruvva'...

Answer 7

No, There is a sense of freedom in rejecting the system. I am a avowed right winger, Reagan Republican and Neo-Con, I wear each of these tags proudly, although I see myself as more of a Tammy Bruce Democrat, a former liberal who has seen the world change, not me.

I have seriously considered staying home because the Republicans have not gotten what we asked, I do not want to end up like Black Americans who have to vote Democratic, because they always have, given no option

Answer 8

yes, i think it should be law that every person of voting age should vote. after all, politics and government affects all of our lives through taxation etc. there are too many people who complain about the state of the country, but have never used their vote.

Answer 9

Yes.

That way we could see how many people really are prepared to pay a fine to mark their "protest against the system" and for whom it's only a lame excuse for indifference and laziness. And usually the latter are the ones who moan the loudest afterwards.

Answer 10

They do already - The fine is having a government for 4 years that you may not want!