Universal Voting: An Idea Worth Exploring

Universal voting is a concept that has been successfully implemented in about two dozen countries, including Australia and Belgium. In Australia, for instance, voting has been mandatory for over 100 years, with 97% of Australians registered to vote and 90% actually casting their ballots in each election. The idea is to make voting a duty for all citizens, encouraging greater participation and giving everyone a voice in the political process. By making voting universal, it would reduce the divisive nature of elections and shift the incentive for campaigns from suppressing votes to persuading voters. While there may be concerns about the enforcement and potential punishment for non-compliance, conscientious objector status could be an option. Overall, universal voting promotes a more inclusive and representative democracy.