Sould voting be compulsary?

[dazzleman]

No, voting should not be compulsory.

For most people who don't vote, the reason is lack of interest or knowledge.  It serves no purpose to try to force people who don't know anything about the issues, and have no interest, to vote.  It can only cheapen the process, beyond where it already is, in my opinion.

Contrary to what some people think, I don't blame the quality of the candidates for the low rate of voter participation.  That's simply an excuse given by people who just aren't interested.  The real blame is with the people themselves who don't vote.

Part of the problem is that people don't value what is too easy.  As long as the right to vote is not threatened, a good percentage of people will take it for granted.  It's simply not appreciated because it was always there, and always will be.  But making voting compulsory solves nothing.  I'd love to see higher voter participation, with the voters informed and educated about the issues, but not with ignorant voters.

[dazzleman]

voting isn't just a right, it's a responsibility. Yes.

Voting should be for those responsible^ enough to exercise their right.

I agree.  There's nothing to be gained by attempting to force disinterested and uninformed people to vote.  We're better off without their participation.  Ideally, we'd be better off if they were interested, informed and responsible, but mandating voting won't make that happen, and we'll be stuck living with the results of their uninformed choices.

[dazzleman]

I have never voted in my life and don't plan on doing so either.

I think that's a good thing for society.  You're exhibit one on why voting should not be mandatory.

[dazzleman]

He's exhibit one of why we need a poll tax of a few hundred thousand dollars, and a property requirement of 500 acres.

500 acres?  Nobody I know would be able to vote with that requirement.

[dazzleman]

He's exhibit one of why we need a poll tax of a few hundred thousand dollars, and a property requirement of 500 acres.

500 acres?  Nobody I know would be able to vote with that requirement.

Neither would anyone I know. I thought that was the point.

I forgot to add the smilie.  In any case, I'd simply lower the requirement to 0.5 acres (I own 0.54 acres).

[dazzleman]

Oh, but the few hundred hundred thousand dollar poll tax you're fine with?

Well, would that have to be paid every time you vote, or once in a lifetime?