Compulsory Voting

It works in Australia and other democracies.

Followers of my postings might have figured out by now that I am Canadian. So, this post is more about the weaknesses in the Canadian electoral system than what exists in other countries but I do think it is very applicable to any democracy where the free vote exists.

My father and two of my uncles fought in both world wars for the right to be free from tyranny. I know this is somewhat cliched — fighting for freedom — however, looking back it WAS a fight or a war for freedom and the right to vote; a battle against fascism, oppression, hatred, and genocide.

An often-heard statement at a social gathering when the topic turns to politics is: “I don’t bother to vote, besides what difference does one vote make?” Of course, one single vote does not make a difference but each of us is not just one single individual living in isolation. Humans are social animals and we now live in complex societies. Much like an ant nest or a beehive with millions of individuals working for a common cause, the survival of the group or species, call it what you will, is dependent on every single individual.