The idea of compulsory voting. I’ve discussed this before and my answer is unchanged. Falling voter turnout will not be cured by compulsory voting – or more specifically, the underlying malaise won’t. The beauty of the current arrangement is that it denies the politicians a franchise. Sure, they assume it anyway and there’s precious little we can do about it, but staying at home sends out a powerful message even if they are sticking their fingers in their ears. That they are discussing this means they are aware. Their solution is not to fix the problem – them – but to try to manipulate us.
If they brought in compulsory voting, I would stay away out of principle. The right to vote – that freedom that we value so much – is also the right not to vote, to deny the politicians an endorsement. Not one of them is worthy of my vote and not one of them will get it.
I don’t believe you can introduce compulsory voting under EU law anyway…
My understanding is that here in Cyprus is IS compulsory but since they (foolishly) joined the EU few people bother…
The spoilt ballot paper party would win by a landslide. Alternatively, a ‘non of the above’ choice would probably get the most votes. Being forced to vote, and having to queue to do so, would piss people off. And the risk of being fined for refusing.
prog 11
Actually, you are half-way there.
Compulsory voting would be a good idea…
IF & ONLY IF… there was also a box labelled: “None of the above”
That would scare’em – which is, of course, why it won’t happen, more’s the pity
Compulsory voting would never be a good idea. People staying at home is a perfectly effective way of saying “None of the above”. Even if voting was on-line, forcing people to vote would be wrong. The Aussies are ridiculously proud of their dysfunctional system. I remember an interviewer from the ABC asking a visiting UK politician who was looking at the disconnect between the electorate and politicians if the UK should try compulsory voting. She replied that too many British people are bloody minded and would not vote if compelled to do so. I am one such British person which is one reason why I have never taken Aussie citizenship.
Likewise. If the state tells me I must do something, I’ll resist out of principle. Which is why, despite doing the census, I filled it with crap, which is why I refused to comply with their household survey, and if they try to nudge me I’ll raise two fingers and do the opposite and which is why I will never go to the polls if they try to force me.