Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should voting in elections be mandatory?
Position1 of 2›

Voting should be mandatory

This position holds that voting should be compulsory. It argues that citizens owe the state political participation, that voting is a public good, and that mandatory voting would raise turnout and strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the resulting government.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Mandatory voting would increase democratic legitimacy
    The government is often not overseen by someone with a majority of votes, making it democratically illegitimate.
  2. Voting is a public good
    Political participation is a public service that should be compulsory.
  3. Mandatory voting would raise participation
    Mandatory voting will, fundamentally, increase political engagement.