Voting is one of the core driving points behind our nation's democracy. Many of the key moments in our nation's history revolve around this, including: The creation of 19th Amendment (Women's Suffrage), and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Civil Rights). It is often wasted by many Americans today, and this absolutely needs to be amended. Former President Barack Obama endorsed the idea himself, believing it to be be much needed for our country (Weller). There is a need for change, this change is to enact a form of Compulsory Voting. It would hold nothing but positive results for our nation, and our voting system. The majority of democratic governments believe participating in national elections as a right of citizenship. Others believe that participation in elections is also a citizen’s civic responsibility to their country. And in some, voting is considered a duty, making voting during elections to be compulsory and even being regulated in the national constitutions and
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6 of these countries also happen to be fellow NATO members as well (NATO). The most successful example of this is Australia. Australia's political climate is closer to America’s than any other English speaking country today. In 1924 the Australian government adopted their mandatory voting policy. Being backed by fines (usually the price of a traffic ticket) for citizens who failed to vote, the price would usually rise after increased failures to participate in voting. The law did come with various permissible excuses, such as the inability to vote due to illness or travel. Also giving citizens the right to defend themselves in a hearing if given such a ticket. This law was met with remarkable success. In the first election held by this new policy in 1925, voter turnout experienced a magnificent 91% result. More recent elections have been able to hover around a 95% voter turnout per
6 of these countries also happen to be fellow NATO members as well (NATO). The most successful example of this is Australia. Australia's political climate is closer to America’s than any other English speaking country today. In 1924 the Australian government adopted their mandatory voting policy. Being backed by fines (usually the price of a traffic ticket) for citizens who failed to vote, the price would usually rise after increased failures to participate in voting. The law did come with various permissible excuses, such as the inability to vote due to illness or travel. Also giving citizens the right to defend themselves in a hearing if given such a ticket. This law was met with remarkable success. In the first election held by this new policy in 1925, voter turnout experienced a magnificent 91% result. More recent elections have been able to hover around a 95% voter turnout per