Elections

[Kathyan]

Does anyone think that we should have compulsory voting?

[HowardKennitby]

Interesting reading

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsory_voting

[pdq1]

With nearly 90% of households on the net it would be possible to have internet voting. Most people not having to leave the comfort of the home would tend to vote. This would be more democratic as only 32% turned out to vote this week.

[emmie]

No, what would be the point, how would you enforce it.

[naomi24]

No. That would be a slippery slope.

[ludwig]

No. I do think everyone should vote, but making it compulsory is ridiculous.

[solvitquick]

NO! NO! NO! have never missed voting thro' my freewill. No point in forcing stupid people to vote. My thought-out vote would be overwhelmed by apathetic know-nothings to produce a disastrous a govt. Mind you given our current cr*p group of Rugby/Oxford millionaires, would it matter after all? PMSL.

[DaisyNonna]

Why vote if there is nobody worth voting for?

[modeller]

No! The other suggestion of voting on line would be as open to fraud as being able to vote by post which is constantly being abused. There are certain categories such as servicemen and the disabled who should have the option but others should attend in person and prove their identity.
As it is some wards register more votes than their population. Our whole voting system need an overhaul . Maybe we should adopt the Nigerian system and have to dip our fingers in indelible ink.

[Kathyan]

My oh was in the forces and he applied for a postal vote last year. It never arived, so he didn't get to vote! How democratic is that?

[infundibulum]

"Democracy means choice.." - try choosing to pay no taxes

"My thought-out vote would be overwhelmed by apathetic know-nothings..."
- choice for only certain people ?

A spoilt ballot paper could have many reasons and sometimes does not get mentioned by Returning Officers, 'None of the above' is a record of dissatisfaction - which may be why it has never been accepted - and could be made obligatory to be read out at results.

Motivation, interest , thinking and consideration all need addressing today , as is clearly demonstrated by the low turnouts and may need even further addressing if voting was compulsory . That itself could solve a lot of problems .

The current political establishment think that they have it almost down to a fine art, with 'safe seats' and appealing to 'swing voters'
and fear what uncertainty compulsory voting would bring. That is one reason why they would never endorse it .

Bring it on - a full participatory Democracy.