What are the pros and cons of lowering the legal voting age to 16? Is that something we should pursue?
Share why if you wish.
Category: Vote
Should Voting Be Required?
Voting, whether it be in local, state, or federal elections, is optional. But should it be? Or should it be required?
In the United States, voter turnout tends to be rather poor. Even in high stakes elections, the number of people who choose not to vote outnumbers the votes tallied by any of the available candidates. ‘No vote’ would win every election.
There have been a number of proposed ways of increasing voter turnout. One possibility is to simply make voting mandatory. Once you are over the voting age, you will be expected to vote, and will face a penalty for not casting a ballot.
In your opinion, would this increase the quality and the outcome of elections? With an increase in the number of ballots cast, would the winning candidates more accurately reflect the populace? Or would the disinterested voter — the ones who are currently choosing not to vote — cast protest votes?
Would an uninformed, or unwilling, electorate produce worse outcomes? Or is a larger voting pool and more voters participating always a better thing? Should voting be required?
Related questions: How would you describe your civic life? What role should government play in our lives? Have you contacted an elected official?
Have You Contacted An Elected Official?
Have you ever made a phone call, or sent a letter (or an email) to a local, state, or federal elected official? It might reference anything from a pothole to a request for a particular vote.
Share why if you wish.
Voting Or Jury Duty?
There are two primary civic responsibilities: voting and jury duty. Which one is more impactful? Which one do you prefer?
Share why if you wish.
Do You Have A Plan To Vote?
It’s election day in America. Do you have a plan to vote? Have you voted already? How about getting others to the polls?
Share why if you wish.