Idea of the day: compulsory voting

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Idea of the day: compulsory voting

01.10.2009 // by Guy Aitchison

This idea comes from Vaughan in Norwich:

What's the big idea?:

Complusory voting for all eligible people with an option on the ballot paper for abstaining if people so wish although there has always been an option of spoiling the ballot paper anyway. Before changing the way we vote, we need to get everyone voting. With the option of a postal vote now so widespread, and the already legal obligation to register on the Electoral Roll, this would be a least controversial option. Its not too much to ask in a democracy that everyone cast there vote.

Why is this change important to you?:

Its about rights and responsibilites; if we have a right to vote then it comes with a responsibility to use it in whichever way you see fit. There should not be an 'opt out' of participating in democracy