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Originally Posted by aelle  How odd that some of you compare mandatory vote with forced consumerism. Voting is a civic duty, like jury duty, or taking part in the draft when applicable. If you decide (and you can) to object to one of these, you need to provide the community with another valuable participation.
Criticizing mandatory voting also completely ignores that in countries where it is enforced, one of its purposes is to protect the right to vote - if everyone must vote, then no one can be forced to abstain - not by their boss, not by their husbands, not by the corrupt political opposition.
I am not big on enforcing mandatory participation to the state community life, but if you choose to abstain or can't be bothered, at least be thorough with it. Don't ask or expect any help getting a passport, driving permit or marriage licence, don't expect well-maintained roads or school system, or fire department. Don't expect to reap the benefits of being a citizen. |
There may be a point in that, but to be honest I think the proper question in any free society is how to maximize turnout without (essentially) putting a gun to someone's head and telling him to make a choice. The ideal situation is one where people become politically active because they understand that it's in their self interest. Education plays an important role here.
There are many factors that can be manipulated to increase turnout apart from force.