kAfter this week’s class I felt like the general feel was that elections are a good thing for this country. The voting system is a good fit for our country right now. We concluded in class that elections are good for some countries and not the greatest idea for other countries. In class we argued the pros and the con ideas behind the election. Both sides had a valid argument, for the pro side had points such as stability, representation and happiness of the public good; while the con side had points such as tradition, efficiency, and it not being necessary in some cases. So all in all, countries with elections and countries without elections are both fine if it works with how the people live in a specific area.
The one thought that has been bothering me this week (as also mentioned in my previous blog post) is definitely the argument about low voting rates in the United States. We have a substantial amount of people who do not vote in elections. And it has always bothered me why people choose not to vote in elections. I know a ton of people who choose not to vote, including many friends and family members. Even when it comes to Presidential elections they all look the other way and do not go to the polling booths. Why are so many Americans ignoring the voting system? Some then raise the argument, should people vote just to vote? By that I mean, should we prefer more people voting but having less people know what they are voting for? (i.e. stances on different issues by politicians)
This problem will always be in the back of my head because I know that it probably will not be solved anytime soon. But how can the US improve its voting system to encourage more people to vote come Election Day?
http://i.ehow.com/images/a04/b3/6o/get-young-people-vote-elections-200X200.jpg
Katie, I enjoyed your post immensely, and I wish that I could offer some answers to your questions. In terms of your last inquiry about an incentive for citizens to vote, I can only say that I do not understand how Americans cannot recognize the existing incentive. Not only does voting represent all of these wonderful ideas of freedom of expression, political activism, intellect, public debate, the common good, etc etc. I also consider it to be an act of patriotism; it shows that a citizen cares enough about the nation that he/she either wants to retain its current political spectrum or change it, based upon his/her personal belief of what is best for the nation. I equate not voting to not bringing one's clicker to macro; except when one fails to vote, it can negatively effect both the nation and the individual.
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