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Usually you see a turnout of 40-60% in most elections around the world, sometimes in NI I've seen lower.
Can people really not be bothered to help decide their future government?
I think there should be a fine for anyone who doesn't vote, but with the option on the ballot paper not to vote for anyone.
Thoughts?
@The-only-Mr-T saidThe degree of apathy does seem extraordinary, although compulsory voting is probably a hard thing to enforce. Here in Indonesia it's 'compulsory' to vote, although there are plenty of get - out clauses; working away, sickness, got to feed the cat, that kind of thing. You need a piece of paper from the head of village in order to vote, and each voter is allocated a number, although the village head can be a bit selective as to whom he/she allocates numbers. Head of village is a political position here, Lord knows why but there it is, and he/she is keen that his/her party wins so they keep their job.
Usually you see a turnout of 40-60% in most elections around the world, sometimes in NI I've seen lower.
Can people really not be bothered to help decide their future government?
I think there should be a fine for anyone who doesn't vote, but with the option on the ballot paper not to vote for anyone.
Thoughts?
Election day is a big thing in the village, nobody works, voting by numbers starts early, and each voter dips the little finger of their right hand in black ink, to prove that they have voted. It's a 'secret' ballot, but when it's all over, the village head announces over the public - address system which number voted for which party, numbers may then be matched to names, so everyone sort of knows who everyone voted for anyway. T.I.I. (this is Indonesia)
Indonesia is about 280,000,000 people, spread over about 17,000 islands, but by some miracle of communication and organization, the result of Presidential Elections is announced the next day.
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Australia has compulsory voting, we like it, around 94% actually participate. But the legal obligation is actually to simply collect a ballot paper, you can drop it in the box without a mark on it. Almost any no-show excuse is accepted, and if you really demand a day in court it'll cost about $4 plus legals.
The informal and blank votes number less than 3% most times. When we register to vote with the non-party Electoral Commission we do not state a party or preference. Election Saturday has a happy street party vibe.
@Kewpie saidI like that system.
Australia has compulsory voting, we like it, around 94% actually participate. But the legal obligation is actually to simply collect a ballot paper, you can drop it in the box without a mark on it. Almost any no-show excuse is accepted, and if you really demand a day in court it'll cost about $4 plus legals.
The informal and blank votes number less than 3% most times. Whe ...[text shortened]... Commission we do not state a party or preference. Election Saturday has a happy street party vibe.
If you even slightly raise the effort needed to opt-out of voting, you will increase voter turnout. Add a meaningless $4 fine and require someone to fill out a form and the amount of work needed to vote suddenly becomes lower than the amount of work needed to not vote.
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@The-only-Mr-T saidStupid idea they'll just vote out of ignorance, we already have enough voters that do that. They're called democrats.
Usually you see a turnout of 40-60% in most elections around the world, sometimes in NI I've seen lower.
Can people really not be bothered to help decide their future government?
I think there should be a fine for anyone who doesn't vote, but with the option on the ballot paper not to vote for anyone.
Thoughts?
@Cliff-Mashburn saidThat's some Trumpian irony there.
Stupid idea they'll just vote out of ignorance, we already have enough voters that do that. They're called democrats.
@Indonesia-Phil saidNot apathy. People are justifiably disappointed and disillusioned with politicians. Politics is corrupt. There are very few moral people in this business. Those who are, do not last. Politicians enter their career poor and leave wealthy. Nepotism, bribery and corruption is a way of life among these people.
The degree of apathy does seem extraordinary, although compulsory voting is probably a hard thing to enforce. Here in Indonesia it's 'compulsory' to vote, although there are plenty of get - out clauses; working away, sickness, got to feed the cat, that kind of thing. You need a piece of paper from the head of village in order to vote, and each voter is allocated a numb ...[text shortened]... e of communication and organization, the result of Presidential Elections is announced the next day.
@Cliff-Mashburn; I Disagree,living is societies you have responsibilities,if you don't like,you should go on a island with no society.You don't benefit and you don't have to to contribute.
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@The-only-Mr-T saidIn principle, yes, compulsory voting is a good idea, including a blank ballot; however, what America really needs right now is a credible third-party.
Usually you see a turnout of 40-60% in most elections around the world, sometimes in NI I've seen lower.
Can people really not be bothered to help decide their future government?
I think there should be a fine for anyone who doesn't vote, but with the option on the ballot paper not to vote for anyone.
Thoughts?