How can we get people to vote in general elections?

Question

Less than a quarter of our population actually vote in an election that can have a massive effect on their lives.
However, if you want the halfwits to decide who should be voted out of the big brother house or who is the best or worst singer on Pop Idol, they are quite happy to spend the time and money in doing so.
Should we therefore be allowed to vote in a general election by text? It can easily be done using a unique code for each voter.
Do we really want these people voting in general elections?
What is the reason that this method of voting in general elections has not yet been introduced? Are the main parties scared of what might happen if it were?

Answer 1

There needs to be a huge TV campaign, probably using celebrities (Madonna did a good one in the US in the 90's that was very successful).
Unfortunately voting needs to be made 'cool' again, and this is probably the best way when you are aiming at the non-voting section of our society.

I understand the temptation to allow these people to remain voluntarily disenfranchised, however ultimately I think that is immoral. We must awaken the power of democracy within these people, it makes a better more responsible citizen after all. It is the governments duty to actively promote and encourage the voting of all its citizens. Texting and celebrities on TV are a good start.

Answer 2

less than a quarter? No. less than 60% of the population, which means less than a quarter voted for the labour party (the govt.)

some of the missing votes are about an out-of-date electoral roll.

i am a very political perosn and would go so far as to call myself an activist, but there are times when i don't vote because our electoral system is not representative and my vote therefore doesn't count. beyond that, in a time of globalisation and when, after the big-bang freeing up financial markets, government's influence on the things that really count is very limited.

more can be done by targetting corporations and supporting single-issue groups and calls for global justice than by putting a cross in a box for a career politician who will toe the party line, even if that means handing over UK foreign policy to that idiot in washington.

Answer 3

Yes I think they are scared, because it wouldn't be a two horse race. I think the people are sick and tired of politics, what is the difference between Labour and the Conservatives ? As many people complain about more of the same because it doesn't matter who you vote for it always comes back to these two it is so frustrating. I cherish my vote it was hard fought for and is the only way I can contribute. They have to change politics before people will return to vote again. Represent the people not big business......I'd love to see your idea being picked up and used by the way............

Answer 4

Think about this carefully. Do you really want everyone to vote?

If everybody voted, that would mean all the hoodies, chavs, hooligans and other undesirable elements (who don't vote now coz they can't be bothered or don't think politics has anything to do with them) would vote.

I would imagine the vast majority would vote for a party such as the BNP. Is this really what you want?!

And texting votes in a general election simply would not work. Did you not see all the fuss there was over postal votes?!

Answer 5

The reason most people don't vote is apathy, either they don't care or don't trust the politicians. Someone once said to me "It makes no difference who you vote for, you will always get a lousy government." This is so very true. The only way I would imagine is to make voting compulsory, but this is technically a violation of human rights, so doubtful if this would happen.

Answer 6

I was going to suggest the lottery like peewee, but I was going to suggest non-payment off taxes for life, as we only have a general election once every four years and the average person only works forty years off there life, that would mean only ten people not paying taxes at a time!

Answer 7

OK monkey,heres how it lies..the other 3/4s are either..a) wanted by authorities b) have not registered to vote as it will mean they will be hit with council tax c)are illegal immigrants..d)have registered to vote but cant be bothered to get out of the armchair. e)register to vote then don't, THEN have the audacity to complain about the way the country is run f) are registered to vote but are deceased/out of the country(temp) or have moved overseas permanently..plus quite a few others as well but cant think of any more..hope this helps

Answer 8

if the politicions actually told the truth for a change and deliver what they promise more of us might be inclined to vote. whats the point in taking time out of your day to go vote for a group of people who never mean what they say?. the government try to tell us how to eat, raise our kids, and generally live our lives, then spend all our taxes on wars n there expences, our nhs is going down the pan n criminals are free to do as they please. terrorists are paid to live here in england and hate us! how many people actually wanna go n vote for that!

Answer 9

The government should start a lottery that everyone who votes gets entered into, and if you win, you are exempt from taxes until the next election.

Answer 10

The masses are, for the most part, ignorant of how our country really works. And some people are just downright lazy. However, education seems to be the answer. People have to be taught the importance of being involved in one's government.