Mandatory Voting

pdf

School

West Texas A&M University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

6310

Subject

Political Science

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by SuperHumanRain8692

Proposition mandatory voting: Mandatory voting can reduce the influence of special interest groups and big money in politics: In the current system, candidates often rely on wealthy donors and special interest groups to fund their campaigns, leading to a situation where the interests of these groups are prioritized over the interests of the general public. By making voting mandatory, politicians will be forced to appeal to a broader cross-section of society, rather than just those who have the resources to make large campaign contributions. Mandatory voting promotes equality and social cohesion: When voting is mandatory, all citizens are encouraged to participate in the democratic process, regardless of their socio-economic status or background. This can promote a greater sense of social cohesion, as people from all walks of life are brought together by a common civic duty. Mandatory voting increases voter turnout and strengthens democracy: Low voter turnout is a persistent problem in the United States, with only around 55% of eligible voters participating in the 2020 presidential election. This means that a large proportion of the population is not having their voices heard, and the decisions made by elected officials may not truly represent the will of the people. Mandatory voting can help to increase voter turnout, leading to a more representative democracy. Mandatory voting can reduce political polarization: In recent years, political polarization has become a major issue in the United States, with people becoming increasingly entrenched in their political beliefs and less willing to compromise or engage in civil discourse. Mandatory voting can encourage people to think more critically about their political beliefs and engage with a broader range of perspectives, potentially reducing the influence of extremist viewpoints and promoting more constructive dialogue. Mandatory voting can lead to a more informed electorate: When people are required to vote, they are more likely to engage with the issues and take the time to become informed about the candidates and their policies. This can lead to a more informed and engaged electorate, which is better equipped to make informed decisions and hold elected officials accountable. Opposition : Mandatory voting could lead to uninformed voters: If voting is made mandatory, some people may feel compelled to vote even if they have little understanding of the issues or the candidates. This could result in a large number of uninformed voters casting ballots, potentially skewing the results of elections and leading to poor policy decisions. Mandatory voting could lead to coerced voting: If voting is mandatory, some people may feel pressured or coerced into voting for a particular candidate or party, either by family members, employers, or others. This could compromise the integrity of the electoral process and undermine the principle of free and fair elections. Mandatory voting could infringe on individual freedoms: Forcing people to vote goes against the principle of individual freedom and personal autonomy. Some people may have legitimate

reasons for not wanting to participate in the political process, and mandating their participation could be seen as an infringement on their rights. Mandatory voting could be difficult to enforce: Implementing mandatory voting could be logistically challenging and expensive. There would need to be a system in place to track and penalize those who fail to vote, which could be difficult to implement and enforce, especially in more rural or remote areas. Mandatory voting could lead to increased partisanship: If voting is mandatory, political parties and interest groups may invest more resources into mobilizing their supporters to vote, potentially leading to increased partisanship and polarization. This could further exacerbate the already deep divisions within American society and lead to a more fragmented political landscape.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version