Australians are required under law to vote

[AmerDem]

MSNBC just did a man on the street spot with two young Australian women. The topic was the law in Australia requiring everyone 18 and older to vote or risk fine and imprisonment. I have to say this is new to me and it made me think what would happen if we ever adopted such a law.

Here's an article I quickly found;

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37051

[robbedvoter]

1. It's a good law - better than seat belts !

[AmerDem]

2. can you imagine if we had that law?

I think Dems would hold ever seat for every race country wide.

[arbusto_baboso]

7. Not necessarily....

Look at how that batshit crazy Howard was re-elected the PM in Australia just weeks ago. Enforced participation is no guarantee of informed and rational participation.

[HEyHEY]

3. I'm all for it -BUT there should be a "None of the above" option too

[rinsd]

4. Not crazy about those laws....

Because for some NOT voting is a political expression.

Someone below mentioned a none of the above option which seems like a remedy.

[AmerDem]

5. Yea, I understand your point

but hey, we have become a country where on average only around %50 of eligible voters actually vote. Having shrub steal the last election and then systematically destroying our country bit by bit maybe it's time to talk about something like this a lil more.

[wuushew]

6. That would insult people who do not vote for religious reasons

also all fines are regressive in nature, so if ever implemented the fine should be indexed to income.

The ballot should include none of the above in addition to elections being national holidays.