Recent elections have been characterized by small turnouts of eligible voters. Some democracies require their citizens to vote. Do you think this is a good or bad policy?
2007-11-07 04:17:01 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
I think that everyone should be required to vote but should have all the candidates opinions and views available so that they will choose the right president. I do not feel as though most americans today are fully informed about the presidential candidates and only vote for who ever has the most money, it reminds me of high school where only the most popular and savy of the clicks won for student council. I also think that when bills are passed that they should be voted on by the general public as well due to the fact that a couple people from each state do not carry the entire populous vote on each bill.
2007-11-07 04:39:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We shouldn't have to require people to exercise their right to vote. Having said that, I have to add that our system of preparing for elections is so badly flawed that the majority of voters decide that there is no real choice and by election day, are so tired of the hyperbole that they stay home and watch the returns on the tube.
Thus far, we have been subjected to almost 12 months of campaigning for the next presidential election, and the election is still 12 months away. People are getting tired of the never ending "news".
I believe that if the campaigns were limited to six months at most, more people might be interested in casting a ballot. By November 2008, every candidate for the office of President will have told every voter in the United States that they have the answers to all the problems of the Universe. No one will know what is truth and what is political promise made to get elected.
In addition, I believe that politicians in this country are not public servants, they are pretend royalty interested in remaining in power for as long as possible. For the most part, American politicians believe that the American people are dummies who will vote for whomever promises them the most money for the least effort. Everything in Washington, D.C. is done with the object of remaining in office one more term. What might be best for the nation is not a matter for consideration. What is best for my chances of reelection is what is important.
2007-11-07 12:42:26 · answer #2 · answered by yeochief2002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
coercion (force) is antithetical (opposed to) democracy. We can't call America the "Land of the Free" if we the People are forced to render a public service.
In addition to being antithetical to democracy, it will create some pretty big problems. How do we get everyone to a polling place? How many enforcers will be required to see to it that everyone votes?
I'd be interested to hear the views of people who are part of "democracies" that mandate voting.
2007-11-07 14:05:16 · answer #3 · answered by JWrightus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think every one should be required to vote.
I also think that people should get at least an hour at work to look over a booklet that shows each and every candidate and what they believe in. They should also list every candidates web site and be able to access it at work during break lunch or if they want to stay late or come in early to surf the candidates pages.
2007-11-07 12:25:43 · answer #4 · answered by letfreedomring 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bad policy. Plus i those countries just make you pay a fee if you don't vote so it really wouldn't change anything. People would just pay the fee. It kinda takes out the right to vote if you have to vote.
2007-11-07 12:25:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think its a bad idea. Those that don't vote are usually the ones that aren't very well informed so they would just be voting for a name and not a policy.
2007-11-07 12:20:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It needs to be voluntary. No one should be forced to vote.
I see it as my duty as a citizen to be concerned with politics and our government. I believe that government is run by the people for the people. If we don't like something then we need to speak out together by protesting and writing to our representatives. But it's important that we are together.
Divided we fall.
United we stand.
2007-11-07 12:23:23 · answer #7 · answered by Unsub29 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no infact i think to many people vote if a commerciel inspires you to vote for a candidate you really dont know anything about him
p.s vote ron paul
p.s2 if you are going to vote for him just couse i said that your a moron
2007-11-07 12:26:23 · answer #8 · answered by Jonathan H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a bad policy, because it is reducing peoples freedom to choose for no good reason.
2007-11-07 12:21:05 · answer #9 · answered by Chris tf 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is an excellent idea. Just don't tell people HOW to vote...
2007-11-07 12:35:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋