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  1. #1

    Default Should voting be encouraged?

    Is the purpose of electing officials by vote to ensure that the people of the country are all represented? Or is it enough that they can be represented if they make the effort?

    In some countries they fine people for not showing up to the polls, good idea or no? Should criminals be allowed to vote to ensure they are represented? What of the various and sometimes half-baked plans for limiting the number of eligible voters by adding requirements based on education, or on a community service requirement, or a "not on welfare" requirement?

    Does the idea of getting "better" voters (even through a simple thing like not fining the apathetic people for not showing up) have any merit?

  2. #2

    Default Re: Should voting be encouraged?

    The apathetic are stupid not to exercise their opinion. I don't want stupid people voting. Therefore, I don't think we should cater towards getting apathetic people to vote.


  3. #3
    BrownWings: AirViceMarshall Senior Member Furunculus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should voting be encouraged?

    "Should voting be encouraged?"

    Yes, you are rrsponsible for the country you live in.

    "Should voting be encouraged by legal compulsion?"

    No, if that is necessary they you already have an irresponsible electorate.
    Furunculus Maneuver: Adopt a highly logical position on a controversial subject where you cannot disagree with the merits of the proposal, only disagree with an opinion based on fundamental values. - Beskar

  4. #4
    Hope guides me Senior Member Hosakawa Tito's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should voting be encouraged?

    Voting should be encouraged. However, mandatory participation smacks of repression of freedom of choice, government intrusion/interference. Those who wish to be "left alone" and don't want to participate in the political process shouldn't be punished for it.
    "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." *Jim Elliot*

  5. #5
    Darkside Medic Senior Member rory_20_uk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should voting be encouraged?

    Voting per se should not be encouraged, but a greater awareness of the matters that affect our country should be. This would then encourage more activism of the people, one method is to vote in elections.

    There are already enough under-informed people voting (I'm probably amongst them). Increasing their number might be a step towards democracy, but not a better government.

    An enemy that wishes to die for their country is the best sort to face - you both have the same aim in mind.
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    the G-Diffuser Senior Member pevergreen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should voting be encouraged?

    Quote Originally Posted by a completely inoffensive name View Post
    I don't want stupid people voting.
    +1

    Mandatory here...its not really that hard to do. Depending how far away from a voting place you are, theres one 1 minute walk from my house, so...
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  7. #7
    Ranting madman of the .org Senior Member Fly Shoot Champion, Helicopter Champion, Pedestrian Killer Champion, Sharpshooter Champion, NFS Underground Champion Rhyfelwyr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should voting be encouraged?

    I just see the presence of a democratic system as a safeguard against tyranny. Generally, I don't need to vote. But if a threat does arise, say, the BNP, then people could mobilise and make sure they don't get in. Simply the threat of having this mass mobilisation of voters is enough to prevent the fringe elements from getting into power, without having to actually exercise the right to vote.

    In other words, if I feel the need to vote, the option is there, and knowing that alone should be enough to keep the politicians in line.
    At the end of the day politics is just trash compared to the Gospel.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Senior Member Reenk Roink's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should voting be encouraged?

    Very few things I'd actually bother and vote for but if they tried to make voting mandatory I'd vote against that.

  9. #9
    Arena Senior Member Crazed Rabbit's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should voting be encouraged?

    I don't care to have the government or others encourage people to vote. If they don't feel strongly about political issues to vote on their own, they shouldn't be encouraged to vote.

    Instead, people should be encouraged to get informed about politics, though doing that in a non-partisan way might be difficult. If becoming informed leads them to vote, so much the better.

    CR
    Ja Mata, Tosa.

    The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the Crown. It may be frail; its roof may shake; the wind may blow through it; the storm may enter; the rain may enter; but the King of England cannot enter – all his force dares not cross the threshold of the ruined tenement! - William Pitt the Elder

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