General Discussion

MADem

(135,425 posts)

163. In Australia, though, it's not really compulsory--you just pay a fine if you don't vote.

Thu Mar 19, 2015, 05:26 AM

Mar 2015

There are consequences, but like always, money rules. You pay MONEY to avoid having to participate.

Of course, people could--and probably would--vote for Bozo The Clown and a host of other candidates if they were forced to the polls against their will. Enforcement would be an issue, too. People would find a way to protest being required to be a good citizen--because people DO do that sort of thing. Elections could turn into something like that sick joke of a festival in California that installed "Aaaaaaaaah-nuld" in the governor's mansion.

It's an interesting conversation to start, though--I wish people would be more civic-minded. Rather than force people to vote, I think we should just start teaching "Civics" in school again.

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BREAKING: President Obama Wants To Propose 'Mandatory Voting.' It would change everything. [View all] kpete Mar 2015 OP

I think we should make it a weekend long party! annabanana Mar 2015 #1

You're absolutely right, I'm all for this...n/t monmouth4 Mar 2015 #2

+1/ n/t Jefferson23 Mar 2015 #3

Vote naked! shenmue Mar 2015 #12

That would really dick with mindwalker_i Mar 2015 #16

Very few people would want to see me naked, voting or not. Half-Century Man Mar 2015 #35

Meh, you're just fine! The reflection from my HAIR can be seen from space! calimary Mar 2015 #73

Sounds like you are doing it right. Thor_MN Mar 2015 #125

Pfft! Enthusiast Mar 2015 #170

Only if I can choose who's there! LOL! RKP5637 Mar 2015 #194

Yeah baby! passiveporcupine Mar 2015 #17

I agree with that, the length of voting should be at least 1-2 weeks and in fact July cstanleytech Mar 2015 #36

TOO HOT! cynzke Mar 2015 #173

One or two weeks; what lines? n/t A Simple Game Mar 2015 #177

Exactly. Not to mention the elderly would still have the option of mailing in their ballots. nt cstanleytech Mar 2015 #210

As long as we are making a wish list; A Simple Game Mar 2015 #232

Add to that list swilton Mar 2015 #292

yeehaaaww! certainot Mar 2015 #103

Nice! ....sans the fireworks for the sake of the pups�2x per year is enough. :) C Moon Mar 2015 #145

I'll raise your mandatory voting and add Publicly Funded Elections and outlaw campaign contributions Dustlawyer Mar 2015 #190

Also require employers to give one of those two days off. jeff47 Mar 2015 #229

Would this require a constitutional amendment or would simple legislation do it? totodeinhere Mar 2015 #4

it would be challenged on free speech grounds ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2015 #19

Just attach a rider which say you can preregister to not vote each election. Half-Century Man Mar 2015 #37

Why do we need extra bureaucracy and red tape NobodyHere Mar 2015 #99

I am answering a question about a counterpoint to a speculated scenario. Half-Century Man Mar 2015 #109

Actually Oregon recently did something like this. Sheepshank Mar 2015 #227

They could just do what Oregon did and make it so everyone is registered automatically cstanleytech Mar 2015 #41

this could work... n/t ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2015 #61

that really does seem like the best solution renate Mar 2015 #83

Yup and if they get the IRS, Social Security and varies federal agencies involved it might help cstanleytech Mar 2015 #106

That is a good idea! Also IMO voting should be standardized across the nation. Far too many states RKP5637 Mar 2015 #200

That would definitely take a Constitutional amendment SickOfTheOnePct Mar 2015 #309

One thing that does bother me about mandatory voting, and maybe more, is that some people RKP5637 Mar 2015 #316

If they can draft you, SCVDem Mar 2015 #49

well, there is no constitutional provision which prohibits a draft... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2015 #60

There is the option of casting a blank ballot. subterranean Mar 2015 #91

A "None of the Above" line would take away that objection bklyncowgirl Mar 2015 #201

We would be doing a lot of elections. nt tjl148 Mar 2015 #212

Only if you were required to vote for someone. jeff47 Mar 2015 #230

If sitting on jury is a duty .. then so is voting. You need to enforce voting just as much srican69 Mar 2015 #268

the constitution disagrees with you ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2015 #277

Who's going to challenge it.... Someone who doesn't vote??? grahamhgreen Mar 2015 #297

I think it would require a constitutional amendment. Yo_Mama Mar 2015 #55

Well if that's the case it's not gonna happen. totodeinhere Mar 2015 #65

It's not going to happen either way. Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #140

So have a "none" line on the ballot. jeff47 Mar 2015 #231

I don't think that suffices. Not voting qualifies as expressive conduct in a different way. n/t Yo_Mama Mar 2015 #301

It's not going to happen, and the president saying "hey- neat idea" doesnt mean he's actually Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #139

We're so lucky to have your cynicism to correct us. Demit Mar 2015 #185

Gloom and Doom is for Republicans...who are those that agree with them? Why?? Fred Sanders Mar 2015 #191

Sure, Fred. Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #223

Oh, it's not only not going to happen immediately, it is never going to happen. Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #218

Why would you expect that compulsory voting would make people vote D? Demit Mar 2015 #270

One) I said the opposite- I DON'T think, necessarily, compulsory voting would make people vote D. Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #307

Your comment at #139 was snottiness ground zero, for the record. Demit Mar 2015 #317

1) is way more feasable than forcing everyone to vote. Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #322

I am obviously no match for your emoticons. Demit Mar 2015 #325

That law about mandatory voting, let me know when that happens, okay? Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #328

++++ swilton Mar 2015 #295

Not a bad idea, but probably unconstitutional. ARMYofONE Mar 2015 #5

You can vote "none of the above" gcomeau Mar 2015 #23

Message auto-removed Name removed Mar 2015 #117

Only in the most trivial of senses. gcomeau Mar 2015 #209

Include Presidential election day as a holiday to coincide with mandatory mfcorey1 Mar 2015 #6

Make it than one day available for voting... awoke_in_2003 Mar 2015 #62

Many states already have laws guaranteeing time off to vote. Thor_MN Mar 2015 #127

No, the President can't do it by EO, it would take a Constitutional Amendment GGJohn Mar 2015 #97

Would probably only require a law, not an amendment. jeff47 Mar 2015 #235

No, it would require a constitutional amendment, GGJohn Mar 2015 #334

And turning in a blank ballot would allow that speech. (nt) jeff47 Mar 2015 #343

Very true, but it would still require a constitutional admendment GGJohn Mar 2015 #344

Only if a blank ballot did not provide the equivalent speech jeff47 Mar 2015 #346

But to force citizens to vote would require a constitutional amendment, GGJohn Mar 2015 #348

Won't work. Some people will still have to work that day. jeff47 Mar 2015 #234

The hits just keep on coming! It's like the Silver Dollar Survey!!! HereSince1628 Mar 2015 #7

You mean one of these?.... pkdu Mar 2015 #146

Yes sort of...even that one's not an option for 2015 Mini-Coopers HereSince1628 Mar 2015 #168

They were actually those ultra-slow 16 2/3 RPM records. Systematic Chaos Mar 2015 #225

Terrible idea. Talk about uninformed voters. We have enough idiots now voting based..... Logical Mar 2015 #8

perhaps uninformed is better than misinformed. eom rogerashton Mar 2015 #64

Yes, only the right people should be allowed to vote. jeff47 Mar 2015 #236

LOL, So you LOVE the money in politics! Nt Logical Mar 2015 #284

If money had the effect you think, CA would have a different governor. jeff47 Mar 2015 #286

When did I say a test? I just don't want a law to MAKE people vote. nt Logical Mar 2015 #312

Precisely swilton Mar 2015 #296

Totally agree LiberalLovinLug Mar 2015 #299

No thanks n/ t SickOfTheOnePct Mar 2015 #9

How about a holiday off instead so more folks could vote. midnight Mar 2015 #10

Yes shenmue Mar 2015 #13

Hi midnight Mar 2015 #33

I don't think it'd work any other way, and he did make an extra holiday to add to another day. freshwest Mar 2015 #159

Someone would still have to work on that holiday jeff47 Mar 2015 #237

Even that is probably silly. What is needed is an election period like an open enrollment TheKentuckian Mar 2015 #341

"If everybody voted, then it would completely change the political map in this country," If everyone Cha Mar 2015 #11

This guy is on a roll. He is saying some awesome shit. namastea42 Mar 2015 #14

where was this guy 6 years ago? PowerToThePeople Mar 2015 #40

He has always been there. namastea42 Mar 2015 #56

I must be Rip Van Winkle PowerToThePeople Mar 2015 #57

You have yourself a good evening. namastea42 Mar 2015 #69

Just edited out by media. The examples are well known. So those who want to know, had to work for it freshwest Mar 2015 #160

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia. Major Hogwash Mar 2015 #95

This is a wonderful idea. Matterate Mar 2015 #15

No, it's a horrible idea. GGJohn Mar 2015 #101

I am definitely in favor of that. Matterate Mar 2015 #116

Some choose to participate by not participating. Might want to read the First Amendment again. Lochloosa Mar 2015 #187

And when your boss requires you to work a 16-hour day? jeff47 Mar 2015 #238

yea your car broke down , your dog ate your shoes , you lost your calendar, your alarm didnt go Romeo.lima333 Mar 2015 #245

Yeah, they should pull themselves up by their bootstraps, even when they're barefoot. jeff47 Mar 2015 #248

well they could wait until their barefoot and naked to start fighting back Romeo.lima333 Mar 2015 #250

Only if you're clueless about poverty. jeff47 Mar 2015 #255

what i know about poverty is that unless you vote your situation isnt going to get much better Romeo.lima333 Mar 2015 #287

Yes, keep kicking those poor people! jeff47 Mar 2015 #290

Yeah, if you believe in treating free adult citizens like errant schoolchildren to be lectured at. Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #336

voting is the act of a free adult, not voting is being an errant school child Romeo.lima333 Mar 2015 #340

I agree that not voting is stupid. And people who don't vote also, to my mind, forfeit their right Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #354

Devil in the details MosheFeingold Mar 2015 #214

What to do? Do like Australia does. Demit Mar 2015 #271

And if they refuse to pay the fine? MosheFeingold Mar 2015 #311

They're sentenced to death I think. Demit Mar 2015 #323

Well, a black man MosheFeingold Mar 2015 #349

No he wasn't. You're conflating the details in that story. Read it again. Demit Mar 2015 #351

It should at least be compulsory liberal N proud Mar 2015 #18

If he does he knows it will not be taken seriously. former9thward Mar 2015 #20

You can accomplish that by turning in a blank ballot. (nt) jeff47 Mar 2015 #239

There are very few things our government can compel a citizen to do. former9thward Mar 2015 #243

Yes, it would be terrible if the youth who were already not voting continued to not vote. jeff47 Mar 2015 #246

You are wrong. former9thward Mar 2015 #252

First, supremacy clause. Second, nationwide 55-mph limit until recently. jeff47 Mar 2015 #253

Wrong again. former9thward Mar 2015 #259

And that 55-mph enticement was in the form of..... jeff47 Mar 2015 #260

TA-DA!!! former9thward Mar 2015 #261

Did you think people would not notice you switched from "doesn't say they can" to jeff47 Mar 2015 #263

Read the Constitution. former9thward Mar 2015 #272

Or no ballot. Nuclear Unicorn Mar 2015 #247

Same message, but one satisfies the "compulsory voting" rule. (nt) jeff47 Mar 2015 #249

I'd like a referendum -- Nuclear Unicorn Mar 2015 #257

Zero. Your point? jeff47 Mar 2015 #258

Oh. I dunno. I think the people might actually pass such a referendum. Nuclear Unicorn Mar 2015 #262

Yeah, a torturous death is so much fun!! jeff47 Mar 2015 #264

"Wanted by you." Nuclear Unicorn Mar 2015 #265

Yes, you do owe so many people. jeff47 Mar 2015 #266

"Everyone gets to have a say in the debate about those costs and benefits." Nuclear Unicorn Mar 2015 #275

And now we move on to the strawman round. jeff47 Mar 2015 #276

"You owe the corporatists at the moment for the food you eat blah blah blah" Nuclear Unicorn Mar 2015 #289

Great idea! spinbaby Mar 2015 #21

Fuck yes. MynameisBlarney Mar 2015 #22

I like the idea, Jamaal510 Mar 2015 #24

you do remember allinthegame Mar 2015 #30

I think Oregon is on to something with automatic voter registration. AtomicKitten Mar 2015 #25

that is a good idea. I do think also that there could be more incentives to vote. CTyankee Mar 2015 #51

I like the idea of some sort of reward. AtomicKitten Mar 2015 #138

glad you appreciate it. I was kinda speculating... CTyankee Mar 2015 #205

I've got an idea Man from Pickens Mar 2015 #152

funny AtomicKitten Mar 2015 #156

Don't bother with local businesses for free stuff. Just send people cash. (nt) jeff47 Mar 2015 #241

I thought about that but had some concerns that a system of cash payments could be hijacked by one CTyankee Mar 2015 #273

You might be surprised at the length people will go (lefties and righties, both) Ineeda Mar 2015 #279

(insert argumentative shenanigan here) jeff47 Mar 2015 #282

Right Wing Heads to 'xplode in 3 .... 2 ..... 1 Botany Mar 2015 #26

A mandatory vote vt_native Mar 2015 #27

I prefer allinthegame Mar 2015 #28

Can it be done via executive order - TBF Mar 2015 #29

No, it can't. GGJohn Mar 2015 #102

I don't know if I'm 100% of mandatory anything - TBF Mar 2015 #171

How democratic. Not. bread_and_roses Mar 2015 #31

Actually his opinion is based solidly in our Constitution. cstanleytech Mar 2015 #45

Of course the President has a right to his opinion. christx30 Mar 2015 #350

What imposing? He expressed an opinion he didnt say you or anyone else has to agree with it. cstanleytech Mar 2015 #356

But he's talking about making it mandatory. christx30 Mar 2015 #357

OMG you are right, we are all doomed because someone is talking about something that cstanleytech Mar 2015 #358

Voting is not a right, constitutionally speaking hugo_from_TN Mar 2015 #305

I don't have a right not to file my taxes either. harun Mar 2015 #320

Who said anything about the constitution? I'm a woman bread_and_roses Mar 2015 #338

YES PLEASE!!!! ut oh Mar 2015 #32

Now THAT's what I'm talkin' about! world wide wally Mar 2015 #34

"gave support to the idea" is not "wants to propose" Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #38

Bingo--you've parsed his actual POV skillfully and accurately, and succinctly too!!!! nt MADem Mar 2015 #164

Wingnuts are freaking out C_U_L8R Mar 2015 #39

Of course they're freaking out. Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #44

I'm sure you could post "Wingnuts are freaking out" with any news item and it'd be correct Chathamization Mar 2015 #53

See, cultural exchange with North Korea is bringing advances. n/t jtuck004 Mar 2015 #42

How about we just start with universal vote by mail? Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #43

I said the same thing at the same time up thread cstanleytech Mar 2015 #48

Indeed. Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #135

WaPo: A Case for a Compulsory Voting cyberswede Mar 2015 #46

How ''democratic and freedom-loving'' of him to think of this. DeSwiss Mar 2015 #47

Its honestly very freedom loving if you think about it. cstanleytech Mar 2015 #52

as much as some don't like it, not voting is freedom of speech. Just because you don't like it liberal_at_heart Mar 2015 #293

I am not disagreeing with you but on the other hand something does need to be done cstanleytech Mar 2015 #310

More voters would turn out if we did something about the corruption in the system. liberal_at_heart Mar 2015 #314

I've been saying this for years nt LiberalElite Mar 2015 #50

The repubs won't like this... Dr Hobbitstein Mar 2015 #54

This is ridiculous Vots Mar 2015 #58

having the Kochs buy elections is even more shivery. namastea42 Mar 2015 #70

TYRANNY! IMPEACH! OBAMA IS FORCING DEMOCRACY UPON US! JaneyVee Mar 2015 #74

... Vots Mar 2015 #134

Australia has "huge special interest on all sides" too. (nt) jeff47 Mar 2015 #242

... Vots Mar 2015 #302

PERFECT!!!! freshwest Mar 2015 #161

It would give money more influence, not less. Yo_Mama Mar 2015 #59

I've voted in every state, local, and presidential election since 1960. enough Mar 2015 #63

Government Funded tiptonic Mar 2015 #66

According to Fox News: "Australians who fail to vote or Australians who are not able to vote due... BlueJazz Mar 2015 #67

Total lie marlakay Mar 2015 #84

I was lying about Fox News. Every month or two I make up something about Fox News... BlueJazz Mar 2015 #98

Lol. With them it is easy to believe! Nt marlakay Mar 2015 #108

Not true gollygee Mar 2015 #175

Look at post number 98 BlueJazz Mar 2015 #193

Ah gollygee Mar 2015 #196

i was just thinking about that the other day! barbtries Mar 2015 #68

Make it a tax credit jberryhill Mar 2015 #71

I hope Faux News and GOP will treat this the same way they treated Vaccinations... LynneSin Mar 2015 #72

I am against this concept rock Mar 2015 #75

sorry but I differ... chillfactor Mar 2015 #78

So you like the idea of a watered-down voting pool, eh? rock Mar 2015 #82

I totally agree with you. 840high Mar 2015 #326

Make voting a $100 million lottery event, and you get your ticket after you vote NickB79 Mar 2015 #76

Not something you want to advertise seveneyes Mar 2015 #77

my husband and I were talking about this very thing today! stage left Mar 2015 #79

Just cut of all the millionaire's "free speech" contributions. El Supremo Mar 2015 #80

Great idea. But the problem is . . . markpkessinger Mar 2015 #81

The legislation isn't workable anyway. There's no bill they could write that would be feasible to hughee99 Mar 2015 #157

Indeed -- which is why I find it exceedingly annoying for the President even to bring it up n/t markpkessinger Mar 2015 #355

I agree with POTUS voting should be mandatory and a holiday. craigmatic Mar 2015 #85

I agree with you maindawg Mar 2015 #174

One year I volunteered to help at the polls as a watcher noamnety Mar 2015 #86

I live in Australia at present . . . MrModerate Mar 2015 #87

Bullshit, I got fined shaayecanaan Mar 2015 #172

I said seldom, not never. MrModerate Mar 2015 #308

That's crap shaayecanaan Mar 2015 #319

Maybe it's the circles we travel in . . . MrModerate Mar 2015 #337

Message auto-removed Name removed Mar 2015 #88

Free transportation for every voter sounds like a logistical nightmare. arcane1 Mar 2015 #94

K&R..... daleanime Mar 2015 #89

Now watch an idiot Republican claim NOT voting is a "freedom" issue.... Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2015 #90

Some people in this thread have already made that claim. nt subterranean Mar 2015 #93

There's precedent. They did it with SUVs. Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2015 #333

Maybe if we push the issue, they'll be compelled to "exercise" that right to not vote. arcane1 Mar 2015 #96

I wish Obama would declare it illegal to drink Drano. Frank Cannon Mar 2015 #220

LOL -- with a little touch of guilt. n/t Ineeda Mar 2015 #281

I know.... Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2015 #332

My wife has absolutely no interest in voting. christx30 Mar 2015 #222

I can picture a few "Bozo For Prez" ballots at first but after a while people would get serious. Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2015 #331

This country has been around for christx30 Mar 2015 #342

Politics here is treated like a sport.... Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2015 #347

It will never happen. hughee99 Mar 2015 #92

how about universal health care Obama? You never once even brought that to the bargaining table liberal_at_heart Mar 2015 #100

it hasn't got a prayer of passing Doctor_J Mar 2015 #124

'If man were meant to fly, he'd have wings.' lovemydog Mar 2015 #104

My fear is a boom in low information voters. n/t Gore1FL Mar 2015 #105

We already have that though, how do you think the Republicans gained control cstanleytech Mar 2015 #107

gerrymandering Gore1FL Mar 2015 #112

Oh that helped no doubt but those gerrymandered districts that they won cstanleytech Mar 2015 #113

It is already an epidemic....no further harm could be done. Fred Sanders Mar 2015 #197

Only if 'none of the above' is also on all ballots. n/t PoliticAverse Mar 2015 #110

I don't have a solution to the problem Jenoch Mar 2015 #111

that would destroy the repug party - so i'm for it samsingh Mar 2015 #114

the story doesn't seem to support the headline fishwax Mar 2015 #115

Mandatory voting = a bunch of ill-informed people picking a candidate for the shallowest of reasons Nye Bevan Mar 2015 #118

In other words, Art_from_Ark Mar 2015 #162

You mean exactly what we already have? (nt) jeff47 Mar 2015 #244

Worst. Idea. Ever. Travelman Mar 2015 #119

You can still 'withhold' your vote, by leaving the ballot blank. Demit Mar 2015 #274

Won't matter if we let Corporations "count" the votes with no oversight and no verification. blkmusclmachine Mar 2015 #120

I agree with this! Diremoon Mar 2015 #121

Just because he mentioned the concept of it doesn't mean he is planning Jamastiene Mar 2015 #122

Better idea--give away lotto tickets to voters. McCamy Taylor Mar 2015 #123

Under threat of what penalty? This is one of those "Be careful what you wish for" notions. WinkyDink Mar 2015 #126

Interesting. Paying taxes isn't just patriotic, it's required. Perhaps same with voting? Beartracks Mar 2015 #128

Agree. But people should always be able to vote none of the above. harun Mar 2015 #339

That would be great Kalidurga Mar 2015 #129

for those who are suggesting this may not be constitutional... ChisolmTrailDem Mar 2015 #130

Thanks for the laugh. liberal_at_heart Mar 2015 #131

So .... Is he actially proposing legislation on this, and sending it to congress? Warren DeMontague Mar 2015 #136

I guess this is what a lame duck president can do. Just make up schtuff. rhett o rick Mar 2015 #132

not voting has a purpose Man from Pickens Mar 2015 #133

However much I like the idea, I don't think it's going to fly n/t eridani Mar 2015 #137

It's antithetical to free expression LittleBlue Mar 2015 #141

Why not ask the question why voter turnout get lower evey election? raindaddy Mar 2015 #142

That would require work on the part of the two party system. Why work when you can just liberal_at_heart Mar 2015 #143

There's a two party system? merrily Mar 2015 #147

good point. Just sayin. I bet both the Republican and Democratic parties would love mandatory voting liberal_at_heart Mar 2015 #148

Yep, of course they're cool with the current system raindaddy Mar 2015 #149

"How many current politicians actually inspire you?" Damn good question. liberal_at_heart Mar 2015 #151

If politicians stopped selling us out, it would change everything. merrily Mar 2015 #144

you got it! tomp Mar 2015 #165

I exercised that option once, just by writing in someone. merrily Mar 2015 #330

So GOP do just the opposite of Obama Politicalboi Mar 2015 #150

won't happen, republicans don't want it still_one Mar 2015 #153

I doubt this would work. romanic Mar 2015 #154

genius. spanone Mar 2015 #155

The ironic thing is that I think manditory voting would end up making money more effecting, not less quakerboy Mar 2015 #158

In Australia, though, it's not really compulsory--you just pay a fine if you don't vote. MADem Mar 2015 #163

Same as the ACA, prove insurance requirements, join CA or pay. NM_Birder Mar 2015 #208

I don't agree with mandatory registration or a voting holiday davidpdx Mar 2015 #166

Sounds good Android3.14 Mar 2015 #167

The time to do this was 2009. Now he proposes it when there's zero chance it will pass. Scuba Mar 2015 #169

Exactly! Android3.14 Mar 2015 #186

I see the republicans don't like it. Must be a good idea. Kingofalldems Mar 2015 #176

I'm 100% opposed to mandatory voting. Vinca Mar 2015 #178

How about a tax write-off if you can provide proof of your vote? randome Mar 2015 #184

If a guy writes in "Bozo," I doubt he takes the process seriously.No tax credit for being a fool. Vinca Mar 2015 #240

True. But he would still need to show up at a polling station and cast a vote. randome Mar 2015 #269

I guess I think no vote is better than an uninformed vote. Vinca Mar 2015 #306

Voting is a fucking joke when only 33% vote and here we are with a joke of a Congress.... Fred Sanders Mar 2015 #195

So long as there's a NOTA or blank-ballot option I'd be OK with it. GliderGuider Mar 2015 #179

You can always vote for nobody... RoccoR5955 Mar 2015 #180

I think the point is that most would actually think about and vote for a specific candidate. randome Mar 2015 #183

Brilliant!!!! rjsquirrel Mar 2015 #181

The headline overstates Obama's statement. morningfog Mar 2015 #182

If Australia is an example, we should also start instant runoff voting here too! cascadiance Mar 2015 #188

I think voting is our patriotic duty! If politicians are going to send our young into arms way B Calm Mar 2015 #189

Great idea. 99Forever Mar 2015 #192

Just do it! And before 2016! Dont call me Shirley Mar 2015 #198

How do you plan to do it? brooklynite Mar 2015 #204

If President Obama wants it, I've got his back. And I'll leave the rest up to the experts. Dont call me Shirley Mar 2015 #213

It's a great topic of conversation greymattermom Mar 2015 #199

LOL B Calm Mar 2015 #202

I think this article is stretching the point... brooklynite Mar 2015 #203

At least POTUS wants people to get informed and vote.. unlike the gop that wants to make it Cha Mar 2015 #206

"where citizens have no choice..... but to vote" i don't like the way that sentence starts NM_Birder Mar 2015 #207

Wow, then the GOP racists would have to round EVEN MORE non-whites for their prisons. nt valerief Mar 2015 #211

Jump IN turbinetree Mar 2015 #215

We wouldn't need mandatory voting if all roadblocks to voting were removed RedCappedBandit Mar 2015 #216

As long as the onus is on the government to accept and count each ballot. Orsino Mar 2015 #217

Forcing people to participate The2ndWheel Mar 2015 #219

Give people a tax incentive for voting. They don't have to take it. randome Mar 2015 #221

teeny clarification. Voting is mandatory in Aust, a VALID vote is not Sheepshank Mar 2015 #224

Nothing that Obama proposes is going to happen. bowens43 Mar 2015 #226

i have been recommending this step for years semanticwikiian Mar 2015 #228

now if only our jury pool was better PatrynXX Mar 2015 #233

Perhaps the U.S. Intelligence Community can simply surmise our vote. n/t Alkene Mar 2015 #251

Obama hits the nail on the head, obliquely. lark Mar 2015 #254

If Obama does this . . . Richard D Mar 2015 #256

I like it, but it will never happen. drm604 Mar 2015 #267

Instead of a duty,,,,,,,Make it so #1,,,, benld74 Mar 2015 #278

I Say Mandatory Early Voting In Every State... Corey_Baker08 Mar 2015 #280

I'd like that. Xyzse Mar 2015 #283

I suggest we fix gerrymandering, voter disenfranchisement, and vote machine rhett o rick Mar 2015 #285

voting should be easy mehrrh Mar 2015 #288

Fine. Just as long as it has a "None of the above" box and write in line. Tierra_y_Libertad Mar 2015 #291

Make elections last a full week and voting compulsory. Register everyone Arkana Mar 2015 #294

Not only should it be mandatory in most cases 47of74 Mar 2015 #298

Since the repubs favorite thing is to rig votes... abakan Mar 2015 #300

Good! moondust Mar 2015 #303

I saw a proposal several years ago that would cover it. Xithras Mar 2015 #304

I don't believe in mandatory voting but I do support automatic voter registration. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #313

Check this out flying-skeleton Mar 2015 #315

Oregon just passed a bill that registers people to vote when they apply and obtain a rladdi Mar 2015 #318

I asked an Aussie virtual coworker what he actually thought of this Skittles Mar 2015 #321

Mandatory---NO. greytdemocrat Mar 2015 #324

...^ that 840high Mar 2015 #327

No. Never. AngryAmish Mar 2015 #329

We don't have "federal" elections. All elections are run at the state and county level. cherokeeprogressive Mar 2015 #335

Republicans will stay home now since Obama want them to vote. B Calm Mar 2015 #345

voter ids would have to happen fxstc Mar 2015 #352

We'll reach across the aisle and compromise with that agreement! B Calm Mar 2015 #353

No, Washington Post, President Obama did NOT "suggest requiring everyone to vote" eridani Mar 2015 #359