Mandatory Voting

[Zenith]

Nice way of fucking up the core meanings of a democratic state.

 

[MYstIC G]

Forced democracy? Bit of a cock idea that.

 

[Dukat]

Because its direct evidence of your dissatisfaction. It shows you want to be part of the political process but you object to the candidates. Don't show up and you're simply part of the apathetic mass.

Are spoiled ballots grouped together distinctly from non-attendance in those percentages they release?

If they aren't, then there's no point in doing it anyway, and if they are, its not really contributing to the "not attending" percentage which I think, at the end of the day, is just another way for people to show that they're not happy with the way things are.

If they turned around and found 90% of people werent even showing up to the polls then it would show just as much of people's displeasure than if the same number of people spoiled thier ballots.

The word "Apathetic" is being thrown around rather alot by the same few people at the moment, and its not entirely accurate in its description(and yes, I know what it means) of people who may well be interested or concerned, but who have chosen, for one reason or another, not to vote for the candidates available in thier area.

I think that to come in on our collective moral highhorses like a cavalry brigade, stamping over anyone and everyone who didnt vote, no matter thier reasons (which they do not have to explain to anyone), is wrong.

 

[DaGaffer]

afaik spoiled ballots are counted and announced in the results. If there were a significant number of spoiled ballots (e.g. the equivalent of a win or a significant placement) in lots of seats, then that would be picked up as a statement of protest. I seem to remember something in America that was done to this effect years and years ago (maybe early 20th century?)

 

[Ch3tan]

Spoiled ballots are counted and included in the results.

 

[tris-]

BBC NEWS | Politics | PM to consult on voting changes