Is Compulsory Voting the Fix for Low Voter Turnout? | Complexify

Summary

This video explores the idea of compulsory voting, contrasting it with the voluntary voting system in the United States. It highlights the low voter turnout in recent U.S. elections and compares it to countries like Belgium and Australia, where voting is mandatory. The video also touches on the challenges of low engagement, the possible benefits of making voting compulsory, and how countries like the U.S. could benefit from reforms like making Election Day a national holiday. The discussion raises questions about civic duty, individual liberty, and the effectiveness of democracy when many choose not to participate.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ Voting is not mandatory in the U.S., unlike jury duty and taxes, but compulsory voting could transform civic engagement.
• 🇺🇸 U.S. elections receive significant attention, and politicians often claim each one is the 'most important election' in history.
• 📉 Voter turnout in the U.S. is historically low, with only 56% of eligible voters casting a ballot in the 2016 presidential election.
• 🇬🇧 Low voter turnout is not exclusive to the U.S.; for instance, only 37% of eligible voters participated in the Brexit vote.
• 🌍 At least 21 nations have compulsory voting laws, with countries like Belgium and Australia achieving voter turnouts of over 90%.
• 💰 Some countries impose fines or penalties for not voting, like Australia, where voters without valid excuses face fines.
• ⚖️ Opponents of compulsory voting argue it infringes on individual liberties and the right not to vote as a form of protest.
• 🗑️ Compulsory voting often increases the number of blank or spoiled ballots, reflecting disengagement or dissatisfaction with the candidates.
• 🏛️ Voting barriers, like voter ID laws or polling place closures, disproportionately affect minority groups in the U.S., hindering access.
• 📅 Many countries hold elections on weekends to make voting more accessible, while the U.S. holds elections on Tuesdays for historical reasons.

Q & A

Why is voter turnout in U.S. elections typically low?

Voter turnout in U.S. elections is often low due to a variety of factors including disinterest in the candidates or issues, barriers like voter ID laws, and inconvenient voting procedures. In 2016, only 56% of eligible voters cast a ballot.

What are some reasons why countries implement compulsory voting?

Countries implement compulsory voting to increase voter turnout, strengthen the legitimacy of elected officials, and encourage citizens to view voting as a civic duty. Countries like Australia and Belgium have seen consistently high voter turnout due to these laws.

What is the impact of compulsory voting in Australia?

In Australia, compulsory voting has resulted in consistently high voter turnout, with over 90% of eligible voters participating in elections. It has created a culture where voting is seen as an essential civic responsibility.

What was the effect of compulsory voting in the Netherlands before and after it was repealed?

Compulsory voting in the Netherlands led to a significant increase in voter turnout from 21% to over 88% in the years following its implementation. However, after compulsory voting was repealed in 1967, turnout fell by nearly 15% in the next election.

How does the U.S. voting system compare to countries with compulsory voting?

The U.S. voting system is more complex and less accessible than in countries with compulsory voting. Voting is optional, there are various barriers like ID laws, and election rules vary by state, which can discourage participation.

What are some penalties for not voting in countries with compulsory voting?

Penalties for not voting in countries with compulsory voting vary. In Australia, the fine is 20 Australian dollars, while in Belgium, repeat non-voters can lose their right to vote for a decade. However, enforcement of these penalties is often weak or nonexistent.

What is a common argument against compulsory voting in the U.S.?

A common argument against compulsory voting in the U.S. is that it infringes on individual liberty. Many Americans view voting as a personal choice, and forcing people to vote is seen as government overreach.

What did Chile's 2012 voting reform reveal about compulsory voting?

Chile’s 2012 reform, which replaced compulsory voting with compulsory registration, showed that while more people registered to vote, the total number of people who actually voted dropped, highlighting that registration alone doesn’t increase engagement.

Why do some Americans feel reluctant to vote?

Some Americans are reluctant to vote because they feel disengaged, don’t like the candidates or issues, or believe their vote won’t make a difference. Others feel that the voting system is broken and don’t want to participate in a flawed process.

How do election days in the U.S. differ from other countries in terms of scheduling?

In the U.S., elections are held on Tuesdays, which can be inconvenient for working people. In contrast, many countries hold elections on weekends or make election day a national holiday to make voting more accessible.