We often hear about how important it is to vote in a democracy. But what happens when people don’t? More and more people are choosing not to vote, and it is becoming a big problem. In many democratic countries, voting is a key part of how people make their voices heard, but not everyone takes part in elections. The main question has become: whether voting should be required by law to make sure more people vote. This is important because a government can only truly represent its people if everyone votes. When only a small number of people vote, the elected leaders and the decisions they make do not reflect the wishes of the whole population.
The article Mandatory Voting is a Bad and Unconstitutional Idea by Andy Craig argues against the idea of making voting mandatory in the United States. She uses an encouraging tone and persuasive structure to highlight that countries like Australia have mandatory voting, but this does not necessarily improve election outcomes; for instance, many voters may choose randomly, leading to what is known as a “donkey ballot.”
Additionally, Andy Craig points out that a report from the Brookings Institution and Harvard Kennedy School found that only 26% of Americans favored mandatory voting, indicating widespread opposition. The article emphasizes that mandatory voting violates American principles of freedom of speech and personal choice. It also discusses how forcing people to vote can disproportionately affect minorities and the poor. Ultimately, the author believes that voting should be a personal choice, not a requirement, which I disagree with.
For example, in some recent elections, less than half of the eligible voters actually voted, which means that the leaders were chosen by a minority of the people. Right now, many places struggle with low voter turnout, which means fewer people are deciding who leads and what laws are made. This can lead to unfair policies that do not benefit everyone. If only older people vote, the government might make decisions that favor them and ignore the needs of younger people. By making voting mandatory, we can ensure that all groups in society are represented fairly.
Making voting mandatory is crucial for a fair and strong democracy. When everyone is required to vote, we get a true picture of what all citizens want, not just those who usually vote. This helps elect leaders who truly represent the people. It also makes people more aware and involved in politics. If we don’t make voting mandatory, fewer people will vote, and our democracy will suffer. Therefore, we should make voting a requirement to ensure that every person’s voice is heard and our government reflects the will of all the people. Let’s take this important step to improve our democracy and make it a better place for everyone.
