Should the US have compulsory voting?
The issue of compulsory voting has gained momentum when the US is experiencing a low voter turnout in elections. In the 2014 midterm elections, only 37% cast the ballot. The number increased to 50% in 2018. In the 2016 presidential polls, 40% did not vote. While many are advocating for compulsory voting, others are against it. Mandatory voting is paramount; legalizing it will increase the number of voters.
Voting should be made compulsory in the US. Other countries such as Australia that were experiencing low voter turnout legitimized mandatory voting. Australia introduced it in 1924 after they suffered a low voter turnout in 1922. After its implementation, 91% of the electorate voted in 1925. Belgium and Switzerland have also applied compulsory voting. If mandatory voting is successful in other countries, then it can also work in the US.
Low voter turnout has detrimental effects on society. It not only leads to social division but also damages the economy. In the US, estimates indicate that only 19% of low-income families vote. The Economists Intelligence Units Democracy Index called US democracy a flawed democracy in 2017 because of low voter engagement.
If all the people voted, leaders would represent the interests of them all, but if only a small population votes, then they attend to the needs of the few. Low voter turnout has dire consequences a political system. Compulsory voting should be legal to compel those who don’t vote to do it.
Some people argue that forcing people to vote is infringing on their rights. In the article entitled American Journal of Political Science, Emilee Chapman explained that failing to vote is also a failure to exercise your right to participate in collective decisions. The system can include more effective ways to civil liberties, such as ‘none of the above,’ option for those voters who dislike all the candidates.
Compulsory voting will assert government credibility; it will also ensure the representation of low-income families and minorities. Mandatory voting will ensure that most of the people in the US exercise their democratic rights. That will make sure leaders enact policies that will benefit the people. It will also create a positive attitude towards elections. 87% of Australians said they would vote even after the abolishment of compulsory voting. Mandatory voting will ensure engagement of voters. Leaving only those who are interested in politics to vote will make them use that power at their advantage.