| Comment | I'd had a few.
Nonetheless, obligating people to vote isn't democratic. Only countries I see with "100% turnout" are authoritarian regimes e.g. China, Russian-occupied Ukraine.
Democracy is just as much about having to right not to vote as it is to vote.
For the record, I always vote. I wish political engagement was higher. But forcing people to vote or spoil their ballot is not the answer.
But for all you think it's worth, spoiling your ballot has no ramifications other than personal satisfaction. Forcing people to vote or spoil their ballot wouldn't increase political engagement. If people aren't interested in politics, obligating them to vote doesn't change anything.
People are forced to get an MOT on their car once a year. That doesn't mean they take an interest in cars. They're forced to pay taxes. That doesn't mean they're interested in tax law. They're obligated to follow a wide range of laws, regulations and rules in a huge range of circumstances. But again, that doesn't mean they care about their basis, why they exist or thinking critically about them. |
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