Should Voting Be Mandatory?

[xxdineenxx]

http://ideas.time.com/2012/08/21/should-voting-be-mandatory/?iid=op-main-lede

Main Idea: Voting is not optional in 23 countries. Here's why the United States should become the 24th

Main Idea (own words): Why there should be mandatory voting in the U.S.

Response: Mandatory voting is both good and bad. The pros and cons are almost completely balanced. The pros being that elections will show more accurate results, it will encourage voters to become more educated in elections, and and help the country develop and grow together. The cons are that you should not be forced to vote, and that there is not 'reasonable' punishment for those who don't. While I think it would be great if everyone voted, it's just not realistic. Many dont feel informed enough to, and some just don't care. Trying to force someone to fill out a ballot is just silly. I do agree that we should honor those who fought for our freedom and right to vote, but not everyone does. It's true that this upcoming election will probably not be the 'true' way the country feels, but theres nothing you can do. What would the punishment be? Send the people who don't vote to jail? That would be ridiculous. So mandatory voting would be nice, but its just not realistic.