In my social studies class this last week, I was reminded of an issue that comes up after every election here in the United States. Our country has one of the lowest voter turnouts in the developed world, as Canada and most European countries get well over 60 percent. The United States, by contrast, rarely gets over 50 percent except in presidential elections. This gap has been growing during the last few decades, but what can we do about it? And does increasing voter turnout really make our politics better?
There’s a few things that other countries do that we can look at. One of them is making Election Day a holiday. This would make sure people can have time to vote, and hopefully reduce lines at polling stations before and after work. Another idea comes from places such as Australia and Belgium. This is compulsory voting.
So how does it work? Taking Australia as an example, all voting-age citizens must register on the voter roll and if they do not vote on Election Day, there is a fine of $20. Same-day registration is not allowed. This serves to bring turnout up a significant amount, 91 percent in 2016. This gives some electoral legitimacy, but do people really know more about the issues?
The answer is not always, and so is it really always good to have people vote just to vote? Americans are more likely to participate in politics and their communities other than voting, so maybe voter turnout isn’t the end-all be-all. There would be many people who would argue maybe low turnout is alright as long as those who are voting are the most informed.
I would say compulsory voting seems to me to be almost in itself anti-democratic. We have the rights to do – and not to do – many things in this country. Why should voting be any different? If we force people to vote who don’t want to vote or aren’t informed, then we’re not really solving the problem. The real issue seems to be why people aren’t informed, or don’t feel as if they can affect politics at all.
In our new age of constant information, all the statistics about every candidate is at our fingertips, but there is also misinformation and distractions. People are busy, and they often don’t have time to do extensive research, so they may only get information from one or two places. In such a polarized political environment, it can also feel like your voice isn’t heard. If you’re a Democrat in a heavily Republican district, or vice versa, it may feel like there’s nothing you can do.
People shouldn’t throw up their hands and say what’s the difference, though. Every vote counts, and if everyone thinks the same thing, pretty soon even less people will vote. Find causes you are passionate about and watch out for them. Due to determined voters like us, things can change, but not if you don’t vote and make your voice heard.
To me, voter turnout isn’t the biggest thing; it’s voter engagement. Our country should have as many people as possible who know what they believe in and are willing to make their stand on what matters to them. Voting and engagement should be a choice, but it’s a choice worth making.
Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
