Sorry if this is the wrong place for this, It seemed pretty specific but I also understand if this is more a news sub.

Now for the topic at hand, I’m personally not a fan. I think it’s a sticking plaster over the top of some significant shortcomings in education and disenfranchisement that fails to get people engaged in politics in a meaningful way.

The end game shouldn’t be getting a load of ignorant voters to ignorantly cast a vote; it should be to have an informed, educated and interested electorate going out to perform their civic duty in a way that brings everyone into the process, old, young, rich and poor.

I’d much rather see a focus on teaching our young people how our system works, why it’s important and how and why we have a duty as individuals to turn up to vote, hold our elected officials accountable and become a part of the democratic process.

What about you?

  • @[email protected]
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    1111 months ago

    Hard yes, even with a small fine for failing to vote (£50-100) - With the caveat that spoiling the ballot/voting none of the above is also an accepted admission.

    We need to start taking steps to reverse political apathy asap, this can be one of many.

    • @[email protected]
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      311 months ago

      Getting a stick out doesn’t fix apathy. It just gives you people going through the motions just so they don’t get hit with a stick.

    • @ObsidianZed
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      111 months ago

      What about positive reinforcement? Maybe a tax credit instead a fine.

      • @[email protected]
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        411 months ago

        That’s benefiting people with higher income more than people with lower income. I don’t think that’s fair

        • @ObsidianZed
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          111 months ago

          I figured it would be more fair than a fine.

            • @ObsidianZed
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              111 months ago

              If a fine is the way you want to go, an income based fine would be more fair, wouldn’t it? Otherwise it would succumb to the same problems as other fines that punish poorer people while the rich barely feel it. Though granted, I’m sure the rich already vote with their money.

              • @[email protected]
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                111 months ago

                I meant a flat payment towards the people voting. That would benefit people with lower income more than people with a higher income while still being positive reinforcement