Does the 'right to vote' imply a right to abstain?
2007-05-26 16:50:34 · 8 answers · asked by Mr. Wizard 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
In Australia it is illegal not to vote...
2007-05-26 16:55:31 · update #1
And, any invalid vote counts for the party in power...
2007-05-26 17:00:19 · update #2
I would think that the right to vote is similar to freedom of religion or speech. You should have the choice not to use the right to vote just as you have the choice to not belong to any religion or speak your views.
2007-05-26 17:22:18 · answer #1 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's the argument for why we don't have it. I think I agree - but I also think the abstainers are lazy @sses more often than they are making a principled stand.
My form of abstention is to get a ballot and leave blank those offices where I choose to make a statement, then I cast the ballot. Much more influential if there were a count of blank ballots than to not vote at all.
[added] Invalid vote counts for party in power?! Maybe in Australia but not in US. Good god, don't give Bush and Rove any ideas!
2007-05-26 23:56:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I feel the right to vote should also be the right to abstain. Many people are totally oblivious to the issues of government. I would hate to think about millions of people being forced to vote and just closing their eyes and pushing a button. To me, it is much safer and wiser to have only people who are interested in government voting.
2007-05-27 00:01:11 · answer #3 · answered by BekindtoAnimals22 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mandatory vote is a violation. It suppresses the right NOT to vote
2007-05-26 23:56:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, considering that the constitution does not give you a right to vote, or even explicitly give you the option, I would say that it's a state power. If the state you live in wants for force you to vote (which is a bad idea- we need informed voters, not more voters!) It is their constitutional preogitive.
2007-05-27 00:09:51 · answer #5 · answered by The Big Box 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes. No one can make you vote. If you don't vote, however, don't expect sympathy when elections don't go your way.
2007-05-26 23:53:09 · answer #6 · answered by Mickey C 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
should be mandatory. people have a misconception about the electoral college and don't.. yet still they protest against the person in office.
2007-05-26 23:56:25 · answer #7 · answered by ceadmilefailte1982 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Enforcement would be a b*****.
2007-05-27 00:12:29 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋