NationStates Jolt Archive

The very first issue anyone has to come across in Nationstates is that of compulsory voting. Should people have a free choice, be forced to vote, or just have their votes taken away? I was wondering what people chose on this issue, what they thought about it in the real world, and why. Personally, I went for leaving it optional, because I think people would resent voting if they were forced into doing it, and apathetic people would likely make silly choices on purpose, skewing the results.

What do people think?

Personally, I went for leaving it optional, because I think people would resent voting if they were forced into doing it, and apathetic people would likely make silly choices on purpose, skewing the results.
That pretty much covers what I think.

Mainly, I felt sorry for this thread going so unanswered. ;)

They have to in my country(NS). BUT they also have the I don't know option. If only 5% of the population votes then it's not a real representation of the population. If I was a real queen with real power I would make voting days nation days were you get the day off to vote and for those of the police, fire fighters, emts, doctors and such will get another day to vote (so everyone will be safe on the free days).

The way I answered the question the first time is my RL view on the subject. Voting should be optional because compulsory voting leads to too many problems and doing away with elections is flat out wrong IMO.

I went for dictatorship. Especially since I'm benevolent and power-hungry.

Compulsory voting is silly. If people aren't going to vote voluntarily, then the system is failing them, people aren't failing the system.

All elections should be handled by hotdog eating contests.

All elections should be handled by hotdog eating contests.
I suggest we do a hotdog eating competition with a pie eating contest for the runoff vote.

All elections should be handled by hotdog eating contests.I can see that working. A candidate placing weiners in his or her mouth is fulfilling a requirement to be a successful politician.

I suggest we do a hotdog eating competition with a pie eating contest for the runoff vote.

Congratulations, you have just given birth to the two party system. :D

Awesome.

I suggest we do a hotdog eating competition with a pie eating contest for the runoff vote.
Problem is, in the Holy Republic of Cowbreed, vegeterianism is compulsory. =/ Otherwise, I would've gone for that option, of course.

Congratulations, you have just given birth to the two party system. :D

Awesome.
well, we wouldnt want any of them wacky third parties getting power, now would we?

*finds a third party to pat on head*

Problem is, in the Holy Republic of Cowbreed, vegeterianism is compulsory. =/ Otherwise, I would've gone for that option, of course.

Meatfree hotdogs is your answer.

When I was in high school, they administered aptitude tests. A great deal of the students filled in the dots at random.

Of course you don't force people to vote.