Compulsory Voting in America: Pathway, Challenges, and Historical Context

Overview of Compulsory Voting in the U.S.

• Low Voter Turnout in the U.S.

  • American voter participation is low compared to other developed countries.
  • In the 2020 election, voter turnout peaked, yet nearly as many eligible voters abstained from voting as those who voted.
  • Historical data shows it's rare for over 60% of eligible voters to participate in presidential elections since 1900.
  • Congressional midterm elections consistently see lower turnout, often less than half of eligible voters.

• Introduction of Compulsory Voting

  • Countries like Australia and several in Europe have adopted compulsory voting, leading to significantly higher participation rates (often above 90%).
  • In Australia, a fine of about $50 AUD is imposed for non-voters without valid excuses, making voting a civic duty.

• Potential Benefits of Compulsory Voting

  • Could lead to millions of additional voters in the U.S.
  • Aims to reflect broader public will in election outcomes, reducing the influence of minoritarian government.

The Political Climate and Challenges to Implementation

• Shift in Political Climate

  • Advocates for compulsory voting need to address public skepticism about the democratic process and the value of voting.
  • Many Americans are disillusioned with democracy, citing dissatisfaction with current democratic practices and governance.

• The Power of Persuasion

  • Compulsory voting must be framed not merely as a step towards enhancing democracy, but as a way to empower citizens and give them more political power.
  • Voters are increasingly polarized; Democratic and Republican viewpoints diverge on the meaning and importance of democracy.

Arguments for Compulsory Voting

• Increased Political Power for All Citizens

  • Mandatory voting could lead to greater representation of typically underrepresented demographics (e.g., low-income and minority voters).
  • Would require elected officials to engage with a wider array of constituents and align more closely with voters’ wishes.

• Enhanced Political Accountability

  • Full voter turnout could strengthen accountability in government, as policies would need to reflect the preferences of a broader electorate.

• Exit from Polarization

  • New voters may help moderate extreme partisan views, encouraging politicians to cater to a greater consensus.

Strategies for Promoting Compulsory Voting

• Focus on State-Level Advocacy

  • Emphasizing state initiatives over national arguments can help bypass resistance from established political structures (e.g., filibusters).
  • Successful reforms have emerged from various states, utilizing direct democracy and voter initiatives to enact changes.

• Building Coalitions

  • Collaboration with community groups such as labor unions and racial justice organizations can help campaign efforts gain traction among diverse voter bases.

Historical Context of Compulsory Voting in the U.S.

• Historical Roots

  • Early proposals for compulsory voting existed in six of the original thirteen colonies, with more recent interest rising during the Progressive Era (1880-1920).
  • Some cities (like Kansas City in the 1890s) attempted to mandate voting but ultimately faced challenges that halted progress.

• Current Momentum

  • Increasing discourse on compulsory voting suggests renewed interest, with recent discussions in several state legislatures and among notable political figures.

Conclusion

• Potential for Democratic Renewal
  • Advocates must convert existing support for democracy into actionable reforms that include compulsory voting as a method to heighten citizen engagement and representation.
  • Emphasizing the connection between voting and empowerment can help reshape public attitudes toward compulsory voting policies.