Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Should The US Have Mandatory Voting? [View all]Man from Pickens
(1,713 posts)63. They should care because their legitimacy depends on the consent of the public
It may be "passive-aggressive", but what's the alternative for someone who perceives the ballot box to be a farce? I myself have turned in blank ballots as a protest before - because I always vote, as a rule - but it is functionally no different than simply not showing up at all. Other than that, the only real way to deny consent to the process is open rebellion, a step that few would take lightly.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
85 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
They should care because their legitimacy depends on the consent of the public
Man from Pickens
Dec 2014
#63
Voting is a lot more important than the other mandatory responsibilities we have.
True Blue Door
Dec 2014
#10
It's primarily a violation of free speech, not the right to assemble, among other problems.
branford
Dec 2014
#23
No but, Voting Day should be a National Holiday and Civic Duty should be taught in schools.
Tuesday Afternoon
Dec 2014
#26
teaching and then encouraging rather than punishing? Nah. That's too radical.
liberal_at_heart
Dec 2014
#31
The United States is the only civilized country where you have to register to vote....
Spitfire of ATJ
Dec 2014
#38
Extend early voting periods, maybe make it the entire month before the election.
Kurska
Dec 2014
#46
NO, only if they bring back literacy tests, only this time for Real . n/t
orpupilofnature57
Dec 2014
#51
I agree with all but forcing people to vote. I think it will bring in a lot of people who are
RKP5637
Dec 2014
#56