Our current representative democracy gives citizens the right to vote under a free electoral system. Frequently seen as right rather than an obligation, not all citizens take part in the election. Therefore, not making an appearance can dramatically effect our political system causing an unfair election. Other countries to avoid unfair democracy have obtained for compulsory voting; eg. Brazil, Australia and Austria. This essay defines our current voting system, analyzes the compulsory system and the new government’s proposal. Closing with what Canadian citizens think about our current or future electoral system.
An indirect democracy, also known as representative, allows citizens to have an equal say on what they believe is the best for …show more content…
We are allowed to cast our votes if necessary, or not vote at all, meaning we are not obligated. Citizens over the age of 18 are allowed to vote in elections, however, Canada is facing serious problems with voter apathy, just this year “more than 17 million Canadians cast a ballot in the country’s 42nd federal election, making for Canada’s highest voter turnout since 1933” (Anna M. Papery, Global News). According to Politics An Introduction (2nd ed) the younger generations does not seem to care about the outcomes and believe that their opinion in the election will not make any difference whatsoever. This situation leaves Canadians and members of the parliament in a fragile spot, asking themselves ”Should Canada adopt the compulsory system?”. However, not everyone sees an obligated voting such as a good way to increase the voter turnout. Certainly disagreements on violating the right to vote will be discussed. Mandatory or obligated voting sounds rigid, brutal or even disrespectful to the community. As terrible as it sounds, I personally think that the mandatory vote is not bad at all, just “forces” or demands the citizens to vote in elections. The individual is not required to vote for a person or a party specifically; he or she can still cast a ballot. This procedure is believed to increase the voter turnover, to obligate voters to contribute with the election. On a article written by Shane …show more content…
Arguments are risen against compulsory; such as how it threatens the Human Rights, forcing citizens to vote for something they may or not know enough to vote on. Forcing somebody against their own will to vote, would not make any difference on the system, because voters would not take their time to read and search more about the parties running for leader. A Professor at Georgetown University’s, Jason Brennan says “[…]if we force everyone to vote, the electorate will become even more irrational and misinformed. The result: not only will the worse candidate on the ballot get a better shot at winning, but the candidates who make it on the ballot in the first place will be worse” (Adriana Portugal, 2014). Although it would increase the voter turnout, it would also damage the government as it is. Throughout the world, mandatory versus voluntary vote is a complex subject with innumerable opinions from citizens, politics, journalists, etc. It is challenging to talk about such a broad subject, every country has one opinion either it is a duty or a violation of Human Rights. Considering this system very broad, education plays a role in it; if citizens want to real change, education would have to come in, by all means people would have to learn about politics, who they are voting for and what to expect. Because making an appearance at the polling
An indirect democracy, also known as representative, allows citizens to have an equal say on what they believe is the best for …show more content…
We are allowed to cast our votes if necessary, or not vote at all, meaning we are not obligated. Citizens over the age of 18 are allowed to vote in elections, however, Canada is facing serious problems with voter apathy, just this year “more than 17 million Canadians cast a ballot in the country’s 42nd federal election, making for Canada’s highest voter turnout since 1933” (Anna M. Papery, Global News). According to Politics An Introduction (2nd ed) the younger generations does not seem to care about the outcomes and believe that their opinion in the election will not make any difference whatsoever. This situation leaves Canadians and members of the parliament in a fragile spot, asking themselves ”Should Canada adopt the compulsory system?”. However, not everyone sees an obligated voting such as a good way to increase the voter turnout. Certainly disagreements on violating the right to vote will be discussed. Mandatory or obligated voting sounds rigid, brutal or even disrespectful to the community. As terrible as it sounds, I personally think that the mandatory vote is not bad at all, just “forces” or demands the citizens to vote in elections. The individual is not required to vote for a person or a party specifically; he or she can still cast a ballot. This procedure is believed to increase the voter turnover, to obligate voters to contribute with the election. On a article written by Shane …show more content…
Arguments are risen against compulsory; such as how it threatens the Human Rights, forcing citizens to vote for something they may or not know enough to vote on. Forcing somebody against their own will to vote, would not make any difference on the system, because voters would not take their time to read and search more about the parties running for leader. A Professor at Georgetown University’s, Jason Brennan says “[…]if we force everyone to vote, the electorate will become even more irrational and misinformed. The result: not only will the worse candidate on the ballot get a better shot at winning, but the candidates who make it on the ballot in the first place will be worse” (Adriana Portugal, 2014). Although it would increase the voter turnout, it would also damage the government as it is. Throughout the world, mandatory versus voluntary vote is a complex subject with innumerable opinions from citizens, politics, journalists, etc. It is challenging to talk about such a broad subject, every country has one opinion either it is a duty or a violation of Human Rights. Considering this system very broad, education plays a role in it; if citizens want to real change, education would have to come in, by all means people would have to learn about politics, who they are voting for and what to expect. Because making an appearance at the polling