Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Mandatory voting” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Compulsory voting” and its relation with “United States”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “compulsory voting” and tries to gauge its effect on “United States”. Finally the research describes various alternatives apart from “mandatory voting” and tries to describe the overall effect of “Mandatory voting” in “in United states”.

Contents

Introduction3

Discussion4

Conclusion6

Compulsory Voting

Introduction

The ability of the people to be able to participate in the voting process can give us a measure of the quality of democracy. This ability can be based on both micro and macro factors. The micro factors being the personal characteristics of individuals, while the organization design and the traditional structure can represent the Macro level factors. In the United States, the turnout of voters is comparatively less than other democracies. The voter turnout in European nations is more than 89%, whereas in the United States this number has never been reached. Despite the aggressive campaign due to war on terrorism and other issues about 60% turnout rate was recorded in 2004. The lower voter turnover rates are not a result of lazy approach to politics by the political leaders. The voter's decision to vote or not can be rational. Currently, compulsory voting is being practiced in many democratic states such as Belgium and Australia. Although this method has proven to show high turnout rates, many critics argue that compulsion to vote is a threat to personal liberty. Moreover some believe that compulsory voting doesn't pose difficulty for democracy. On the other hand, numbers of supporters see compulsory voting as essential for the authenticity and equality in democratic system. In order to understand the compulsory voting various macro and micro factors may be needed to consider its effect and potential. This research attempts to discuss if the United States should adopt mandatory voting law. Moreover it reflects the reasons, why the United States might want to undertake such an action. The compulsory voting should not be adapted in the United States considering its positive, negative and costs effects.

Discussion

Compulsory voting law can have many positive effects in the election process. Compulsory voting can have an effect in increasing the turnout rates. Although some consider compulsory voting as 'Misguided' (Hill, 2011), there are many ways in which compulsory voting may turnout to be in interests of the country. In their study (Singh, Shane, pp.108), studied that voter turnout rate becomes high if the penalties and strictness are introduced for compulsory voting. They conducted their research based on samples of 36 countries. As a result they concluded that the severe rules in compulsory voting does increases the turnout rates. However the personal characteristics such as income, age and education depends on the individual's decision. There are many ways by which the turnout rates can be increased. These methods vary from registration on the same day to weekend voting. However, the turnout rates can also be increased as a result ...