Would compulsary voting work in America?

Originally posted by tabby999
Well? In australia its a $50 fine for not voting, i know New Zealands the same, how would america react to something like this? It always strikes me as odd that with all the money and time and effort poured into campaigns that theres never a huge turn out at the polls.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but it seems kinda stupid that from 2000 to 2004 there were constant complaints about Bush, how he was a nazi and whatever, but come election time, he gets voted in again. Any thoughts?

I think that would make the very idea of freedom and the popular vote an irony.

First of all mandatory voting, as in you have to vote for a party, would be against the very essence of the democratic process. This could diminish the anonymous and free aspect of voting.

In general 'mandatory voting' means you aren't forced to vote, you are forced to show up. You are still free to vote blanco, if you're country allows it, or to cast an invalid vote. Both types of votes will be dismissed in the electoral process. In most countries that have a fine for people not turning up, the courts do not prosecute people for not voting.

I must admit I have no data about whether or not voting blanco is an option in countries with mandatory voting. (sounds interesting to look up)

Now in the US I think it wouldn't work out. There have been 'experiments' in other countries to introduce 'manadatory voting'. It generally doesn't work.
You also have to keep in mind that it takes a lot of effort from the justice system to prosecute people who don't show up. Plus it would require some kind of registration which always seems to be a problem in the US.

But as ever I am not an American, so these are just my thoughts.

Originally posted by Zeal Ex Nihilo
Hopefully.

Dont be hatin, yo

Originally posted by ragesRemorse
Dont be hatin, yo

"Malibu's Most Wanted"