Recent times have seen a notable amount of political protest (be it direct or indirect) around the world and as part of various political systems. However, there is an undeniable trend that has been building for the past few decades amongst many of the worlds “proudest” democracies: Falling turnout in elections. Is it not the case that voting against a government is the ultimate form of protest? There are plenty of parties out there for voters who are not happy. For example: There are anarchic parties (OK admittedly hypocritical of them) for those who hate the current system, leftist parties for those who hate the right, rightist parties for those who hate the left and ‘middlist’ parties for those who like to sit on the fence. Basically, there is always someone to vote for no matter what your opinion! So, having ‘disproved’ the whole “there is no option for me” argument consider this:
U.K. election turnout in 2005 : 61.4%
Canadian election turnout in 2008 : 59.1%
American election turnout in 2008: 61%
Can it really be argued, for whatever reason and from whatever stand point, that 40% of the electorate in 3 of the worlds most established democracies doesn’t vote based upon a dissatisfaction with the options presented to them, or through some sort of protest? OR, does it seem more likely that hordes of disinterested and depoliticised ‘voters’ are out there who simply cant be bothered to vote? Admittedly, some people do not vote because they are making some kind of protest, but could you really argue its almost half the electorate that’s doing that? OR, is it more likely that our earlier mentioned hordes make up the bulk of these ’voters’?
Now consider this. If voter turnout is so low in the above countries because people are making some sort of protest, why is voter turnout higher in countries where voting is compulsory much higher? OK, obviously because its compulsory. However if these ‘voters’ that don’t vote feel so strongly, would they not boycott regardless? Take a look at these figures of countries where voting is compulsory:
Australia: Average of 95% since 1960
Belgium: Average of 91% since 1960
Greece: Average of 86% since 1960
Brazil: Average of 83% since 1960
I guess the point trying to be made here is that when people are forced to vote by law: THEY WILL. Lets get off the stupid argument that people don’t vote because they are protesting when its simply because they cant be bothered voting. What is so difficult about admitting it?
by Blogger1
U.K. election turnout in 2005 : 61.4%
Canadian election turnout in 2008 : 59.1%
American election turnout in 2008: 61%
Can it really be argued, for whatever reason and from whatever stand point, that 40% of the electorate in 3 of the worlds most established democracies doesn’t vote based upon a dissatisfaction with the options presented to them, or through some sort of protest? OR, does it seem more likely that hordes of disinterested and depoliticised ‘voters’ are out there who simply cant be bothered to vote? Admittedly, some people do not vote because they are making some kind of protest, but could you really argue its almost half the electorate that’s doing that? OR, is it more likely that our earlier mentioned hordes make up the bulk of these ’voters’?
Now consider this. If voter turnout is so low in the above countries because people are making some sort of protest, why is voter turnout higher in countries where voting is compulsory much higher? OK, obviously because its compulsory. However if these ‘voters’ that don’t vote feel so strongly, would they not boycott regardless? Take a look at these figures of countries where voting is compulsory:
Australia: Average of 95% since 1960
Belgium: Average of 91% since 1960
Greece: Average of 86% since 1960
Brazil: Average of 83% since 1960
I guess the point trying to be made here is that when people are forced to vote by law: THEY WILL. Lets get off the stupid argument that people don’t vote because they are protesting when its simply because they cant be bothered voting. What is so difficult about admitting it?
by Blogger1
Sorry readers let me clarify my post. My intention was not to support compulsory voting but to question motives for not voting.
I don’t find compulsory elections to be a good idea
ReplyDeleteFirst of all forcing is not compatible with personal freedom. If one were to choose that he does not want to vote, it would be in his right to do so. In addition who are we to question the reasoning behind that decision?
Furthermore a low turnout at elections is a warning sign that the people are fed up with the system. It is a warning sign that I prefer over the results of a forced protest vote. Such votes lead to the rise of parties like the BNP or other hard-right radical groups.
I want you to take a look at the list of countries with a mandatory election. Greece, Belgium and Brazil – these countries’ governments do not attest to a functioning and non-corrupt democracy. Seeing that Australia is always in the lead of censoring, it is arguable that Australia should be part of that list.
It is important for a politician to take the signs of low turnovers serious. They have to make changes within the system before it is too late. The system is the main reason for many people to not go voting. Whether it is a protest or just laziness, it is often because of frustration about the system.
It is also possible to have high turnovers when voting is not enforced. Although it is dropping, the turnover of the latest general election in Germany is about 80%. People do vote, if they have a genuine choice.
Greetings, Braudan
Hm well, I think not voting is mostly not an act of protest against the government. Anyone I know who feels strongly about politics in any way does take the time to vote, spoiling a ballot or voting non-confidence is the proper way to protest in free elections.
ReplyDeleteFrom my experience, those who don't vote don't vote because they don't care, or they are too lazy to actually go vote. Another experience of someone who I know that didn't vote was because he wasn't allowed to vote. A few of us (all Canadian citizens) had just moved to the city and none of us had any proof of residence to vote, so only two of us actually were vouched for (myself included) by other people. Not that this is the normal situation.
Forcing people to vote doesn't help anything, because some people are disinterested in politics and don't really know about the issues they are voting for, or are not really wise enough on the issue they are voting for in the first place. I doubt 40% are protesting the system.