Pakistan's Election

[Vladimir]

I've been interested in, and watching elections since 1968. In that 40 years, the single most important factor about them has been: citizen participation.

(Insert long, inspiring speech about the "good and brave men and women fighting and dying to give us the right to vote", and our consequent moral obligation...)

I grew up in American culture, so I have that strong streak of automatic anti-authoritarian: "You're not the Boss of me, and can't tell me what to do!" in me.

However. After all this time, I conclude that the Aussies have the best solution to the west's (and esp the US's) dismal participation rates: mandatory "showtime" at the polls. Just like jury duty, military service, and tax-paying.

Fines and/or jail for non-compliance. Provision made for opt-out or alternative methods (vote-by-mail, etc).

It's that important. In my opinion.

I would vote for politicians who want to repeal mandatory voting. It's voting at gunpoint.

[KukriKhan]

I would vote for politicians who want to repeal mandatory voting. It's voting at gunpoint.

And if a majority of gunpoint-induced voters agreed, I'd live with the result.

[Vladimir]

And if a majority of gunpoint-induced voters agreed, I'd live with the result.

Looking for that 99% turnout? There are places like that, you know.

[KukriKhan]

Looking for that 99% turnout? There are places like that, you know.

Yeah. The natives call it "Australia" (though it's only 95%).

[Vladimir]

Saddam era Iraq, Chechnya, and a slew of tin-pot dictatorships. Who do they usually vote for in Australia? Should Disney create a third party in the US?

Personally I'd vote Donald Duck. Can't understand a damn thing he's saying but he is prior service. I think Goofy was army but I can't bring myself to vote for a black guy.