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Martin Eden

(12,864 posts)

29. What is the punishment for NOT voting?

Reply to babylonsister (Original post)

Thu Mar 19, 2015, 01:35 PM

Mar 2015

Also, how do they handle legitimate exemptions?

I'd rather see a system that rewards rather than punishes.

Every registered voter who casts a vote at the polling place or uses some method of early voting gets a tax credit. Those who pay no federal income tax get a rebate check. The value should be a sufficient incentive, perhaps $100.

This reform should also be accompanied by a campaign to better inform voters with widely a distributed list of candidates, their positions on key issues related to the government function of their office, and their resume'.

Of course, many other significant reforms are needed to fix our dysfunctional electoral system, but this would be a good start.

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29 replies

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Highlight:

Obama suggested making it illegal not to vote. Here's how that's worked in Australia. [View all] babylonsister Mar 2015 OP

But TPTB want less voters-mandatory voting after eliminating 1/2 the voters doesn't do any good hobbit709 Mar 2015 #1

And here is the LIE headline at the righwing rag NoJusticeNoPeace Mar 2015 #2

And what party controls Australia now? seveneyes Mar 2015 #3

Lol, I was just wondering about that. Seems forcing people to vote doesn't necessarily sabrina 1 Mar 2015 #17

so, what of the people who find no candidate ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2015 #4

I talked to an Aussie about this babylonsister Mar 2015 #6

I have friend there she said because of law most people pay attention marlakay Mar 2015 #9

Truly Australia is enlightened re voting marions ghost Mar 2015 #21

On our machines in PA, you can register a No Vote. Demit Mar 2015 #16

That happens to me a lot. I vote for the least "not worthy". n/t cui bono Mar 2015 #22

What makes the most sense to me would be a Erich Bloodaxe BSN Mar 2015 #26

Just because someone votes doesn't make them an informed citizen. . . Journeyman Mar 2015 #5

Perhaps if voting were mandatory, babylonsister Mar 2015 #7

Now, about that enforcement... dixiegrrrrl Mar 2015 #12

Or you would just be forcing easily manipulated, low-info voters to pull a switch. . . Journeyman Mar 2015 #14

There are plenty of people who don't know jack but are articulate Fumesucker Mar 2015 #15

How about offering people $10 if they vote? n2doc Mar 2015 #8

now wait one minute here onethatcares Mar 2015 #10

2 Big Mac coupons? Fred Sanders Mar 2015 #20

how about a lottery greymattermom Mar 2015 #11

Soviet Union under Stalin had it. PeoViejo Mar 2015 #13

Because Australia is a poorer comparison?? Fred Sanders Mar 2015 #19

Yawn. Apples and oranges. babylonsister Mar 2015 #24

And we didn't? Revanchist Mar 2015 #25

There you have it. And who does most of the nominating? Erich Bloodaxe BSN Mar 2015 #28

Start with a federal National Election Holiday - Democracy Day, like in Israel yesterday. Fred Sanders Mar 2015 #18

It should be a national holiday.. It's too bad so many don't vote especially Dems in the Midterms. Cha Mar 2015 #23

It doesnt sound constitutional to me Travis_0004 Mar 2015 #27

What is the punishment for NOT voting? Martin Eden Mar 2015 #29