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Should Someone Be Required By Law To Vote In The Presidential Election(s)?

Should It Be Required That ALL Legal U.S. Citizens Vote In Presidential Elections?

  • Yes

    Votes: 4 6.2%

  • No

    Votes: 60 92.3%

  • Only A Certain Amount Every So Many Years

    Votes: 1 1.5%
  • Total voters
    65
SypherAL said:
I was not "tugging" at your emotions, I was stating my belief. I am not a presidential candidate, I dont tug at emotions. This is a poll, not a post to influence my beliefs. I was waiting for someone to use my lean label as an insult to their intelligence. My view has absolutely nothing to do with my political stance. This is a debate about being required to vote. For some reason i feel if my lean said "conservative" you wouldn't be so offended. If you get offended so easily on a political DEBATE forum you may want to consider spending your free time doing something else.
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TBH, I didn't even look at your lean when I read the OP, but I still thought the second paragraph of your post came across as condescending and dickish. I don't necessarily think that's a liberal trait, though, so your lean probably wouldn't have matter even if I saw it.
 
SypherAL said:
That's not what I said, I have no idea how you could have possibly interpreted my statement that way. You are using my lean title to put fake thoughts into your mind. You probably haven't interpreted the left wing view properly because your vision is clouded with reasons to hate liberal beliefs regardless if they match your own beliefs at times.

What is your definition of freedom? How many definitions could there be? Please Mr. smart conservative, explain to me what freedom is. Allowing the rich to prosper while the poor suffer? Using the bible as the document to run America? Deportation of all immigrants? Telling women what medications they can and cant take? Using a "your on your own" mentality when it comes to healthcare for the elderly? Ending unemployment benefits and food stamps for people in need? Cutting spending while not investing? Treating America's economy like its family of 4's family budget? If these are your definitions of freedom I must say you have a rather interesting view on America.
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I'm sorry, but I have to point out the blatant hypocrisy of this post. You lament stereotyping on the basis of your lean and then throw out a laundry list of (factually incorrect/distorted/completely friggin' warped) "conservative" views. Either fight honestly or don't fight.
 
SypherAL said:
An interesting debate. Should voting in presidential elections be required by law? Of course this excludes felons and non-u.s. citizens. Legal voting age stays the same in this scenario.

My opinion: If you live in the United States, you will be required to vote in the United States. It would be a huge dis-respect to the millions of Americans that died for this country to sit at home on election day. This is a freedom many have died for so get out and participate!
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Democracy emphasizes freedom. Forcing people to vote is contradictory to the very foundations of democracy. Deal with it
 
SypherAL said:
Somehow you brought global warming, second hand smoke, and chilidren into a debate about voting requirements. Once again, you are using feelings instead of facts to vent your frustrations. This is a debate forum, if your not able to handle reading other peoples opinions and views on political issues and beliefs I would strongly consider not participating on this forum. As an educator, I would assume you would understand something like this.
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Bolded word pretty much sums up my feelings about the OP
 
SypherAL said:
Somehow you brought global warming, second hand smoke, and chilidren into a debate about voting requirements. Once again, you are using feelings instead of facts to vent your frustrations. This is a debate forum, if your not able to handle reading other peoples opinions and views on political issues and beliefs I would strongly consider not participating on this forum. As an educator, I would assume you would understand something like this.
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Oh, come on...surely you understand that those are examples that I gave to illustrate the tactic you used in your OP, eh? I'm not using feelings at all and I have no frustrations...in fact, I don't even see how you can perceive such things from my posts. And, in regard to this being a debate forum...yes, it is. I gave my opinion of your proposal in my first post. You chose not to comment on that, though...you only want to talk about my dislike of your use of typical liberal justification for your proposal.

So it goes.

btw, my designation as an "Educator" is not of my choosing. It's a title given by the forum. I think it's a function of how many posts I've made. I suggest you don't place much importance upon it.
 
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In addition to the fact that it would be an impossible law to enforce... It would increase the poll numbers, but many of those would be people that have no idea what is going on in the world. Stuffing the ballot box with apathetic and uninformed votes has no purpose.

Someone mentioned it earlier and nobody replied and I was actually surprised by.... I personally would support a knowledge test prior to being able to vote.
 
Chiefgator said:
In addition to the fact that it would be an impossible law to enforce... It would increase the poll numbers, but many of those would be people that have no idea what is going on in the world. Stuffing the ballot box with apathetic and uninformed votes has no purpose.

Someone mentioned it earlier and nobody replied and I was actually surprised by.... I personally would support a knowledge test prior to being able to vote.
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I see no need for any kind of test or any other restriction to voting...except proof of citizenship.
 
SypherAL said:
An interesting debate. Should voting in presidential elections be required by law? Of course this excludes felons and non-u.s. citizens. Legal voting age stays the same in this scenario.

My opinion: If you live in the United States, you will be required to vote in the United States. It would be a huge dis-respect to the millions of Americans that died for this country to sit at home on election day. This is a freedom many have died for so get out and participate!
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no.....you shouldnt be forced to vote. that being said, i'd support making making election day a national holiday, so there would be no excuses not to vote.
 
tessaesque said:
I'm sorry, but I have to point out the blatant hypocrisy of this post. You lament stereotyping on the basis of your lean and then throw out a laundry list of (factually incorrect/distorted/completely friggin' warped) "conservative" views. Either fight honestly or don't fight.
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What is wrong about the "laundry list" of FACTS I threw about about conservative beliefs? Are these not the same beliefs/bills that are trying to be implemented on a regular basis by the disfunctional GOP in washington? I fight honestly, who are you to make such a statement? Dallas, Texas? I smell conservative.

Let me clarify to help my "fight"....

"Using the bible as the document to run America" - The current use of god and his beliefs to influence America by Rick Santorum and the GOP primary currently taking place.

"Deportation of all immigrants" - No explanation needed here, I think we all know the GOP hates hispanic immigrants. A fence to build along the mexican boarder? I think that sums it up.

"Telling women what medications they can and cant"- Recent attempted legislation that gave employers the right to fund or not fund birth control as a necessary medication for women. Birth control is used for a variety of other medical uses besides preventing pregnancy.

"A 'your on your own' mentality when it comes to healthcare for the elderly" - The GOP's desire to dismantle the federal government and privatize social security

"Ending unemployment benefits and food stamps for people in need" - A "your on your own" approach to the poor and less fortunate by the GOP on a regular basis.

"Cutting spending while not investing" - The GOP's belief on reducing the size of government while at the same time preventing essential investing to allow our economy to grow and improve

"Treating America's economy like its family of 4's family budget" - The constant argument the GOP makes about the defecit. When a family cant afford something, they cut spending to live within their means. This is the saddest example possible when it comes to the deficit. America's economy is nothing like a family budget, although, I wouldn't expect much more of a logical comparison by the GOP. They appeal to non-educated workers who believe republicans look out for their best interest.
 
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Mycroft said:
I see no need for any kind of test or any other restriction to voting...except proof of citizenship.
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I agree in principle, but after seeing so many racist votes in 2008, I became jaded.
A simple test of : name two candidates. Name the speaker of the house. Name the Senate majority leader. Done.... Just prove you are not walking in and voting for or against the candidate based on skin color, hair style, sexual orientation. Or some other moronic, non issue.
 
I stopped reading after "should someone be required by law".

Damn near ANYTHING you put after those words, I would say no. It turns out that this is no exception.
 
SypherAL said:
My opinion: If you live in the United States, you will be required to vote in the United States. It would be a huge dis-respect to the millions of Americans that died for this country to sit at home on election day. This is a freedom many have died for so get out and participate!
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I don't think you understand what freedom is.
 
Dragonfly said:
I don't think you understand what freedom is.
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What dont I understand? Sitting on your lazy a** on election day is your definition of freedom right? A perfect example of how far America has deteriorated. I am proud to vote on election day. People tend to forget how lucky they are to be born in a country that allows free elections, maybe you lack the proper definition of freedom, or just don't care you have it.
 
Gipper said:
I stopped reading after "should someone be required by law".

Damn near ANYTHING you put after those words, I would say no. It turns out that this is no exception.
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Should you be required by law to serve jail time after murdering someone? Would you be against this?
 
SypherAL said:
What is wrong about the "laundry list" of FACTS I threw about about conservative beliefs? Are these not the same beliefs/bills that are trying to be implemented on a regular basis by the disfunctional GOP in washington? I fight honestly, who are you to make such a statement? Dallas, Texas? I smell conservative.

Let me clarify to help my "fight"....

"Using the bible as the document to run America" - The current use of god and his beliefs to influence America by Rick Santorum and the GOP primary currently taking place.

"Deportation of all immigrants" - No explanation needed here, I think we all know the GOP hates hispanic immigrants. A fence to build along the mexican boarder? I think that sums it up.

"Telling women what medications they can and cant"- Recent attempted legislation that gave employers the right to fund or not fund birth control as a necessary medication for women. Birth control is used for a variety of other medical uses besides preventing pregnancy.

"A 'your on your own' mentality when it comes to healthcare for the elderly" - The GOP's desire to dismantle the federal government and privatize social security

"Ending unemployment benefits and food stamps for people in need" - A "your on your own" approach to the poor and less fortunate by the GOP on a regular basis.

"Cutting spending while not investing" - The GOP's belief on reducing the size of government while at the same time preventing essential investing to allow our economy to grow and improve

"Treating America's economy like its family of 4's family budget" - The constant argument the GOP makes about the defecit. When a family cant afford something, they cut spending to live within their means. This is the saddest example possible when it comes to the deficit. America's economy is nothing like a family budget, although, I wouldn't expect much more of a logical comparison by the GOP. They appeal to non-educated workers who believe republicans look out for their best interest.
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I'm sorry, but perhaps I wasn't clear. Fighting honestly would involve leaving your political bias at the door and having a reasonable, mature discussion about facts. Since your post meets none of those qualifications I guess we've reached an impasse.
 
tessaesque said:
I'm sorry, but perhaps I wasn't clear. Fighting honestly would involve leaving your political bias at the door and having a reasonable, mature discussion about facts. Since your post meets none of those qualifications I guess we've reached an impasse.
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Everything I just listed ARE facts and were written in a mature way. I think your definition of mature is saying only things you can agree with. This is called being bias my friend, not the other way around. you have no idea what your talking about and/or you are in complete denial of the GOP's mission to destroy the middle class, suppress women, end healthcare for low income individuals, and allow the rich to prosper. Please use your "freedom" correctly and NOT vote in this upcoming election.
 
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SypherAL said:
Everything I just listed ARE facts, you have no idea what your talking about.
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I'm not going to have a circular argument with you. When you are ready to have an unbiased, factual discussion let me know. Until then I find any further discussion a waste of time.
 
tessaesque said:
I'm not going to have a circular argument with you. When you are ready to have an unbiased, factual discussion let me know. Until then I find any further discussion a waste of time.
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No problem, I like to debate people who acknowledge facts, not use their feelings to convince his or herself these horrible things are not taking place. Also, I have yet to hear one actual fact from you, so until you can also abide by the same set of rules, Have a good day.
 
SypherAL said:
What is wrong about the "laundry list" of FACTS I threw about about conservative beliefs? Are these not the same beliefs/bills that are trying to be implemented on a regular basis by the disfunctional GOP in washington? I fight honestly, who are you to make such a statement? Dallas, Texas? I smell conservative.

Let me clarify to help my "fight"....

"Using the bible as the document to run America" - The current use of god and his beliefs to influence America by Rick Santorum and the GOP primary currently taking place.

"Deportation of all immigrants" - No explanation needed here, I think we all know the GOP hates hispanic immigrants. A fence to build along the mexican boarder? I think that sums it up.

"Telling women what medications they can and cant"- Recent attempted legislation that gave employers the right to fund or not fund birth control as a necessary medication for women. Birth control is used for a variety of other medical uses besides preventing pregnancy.

"A 'your on your own' mentality when it comes to healthcare for the elderly" - The GOP's desire to dismantle the federal government and privatize social security

"Ending unemployment benefits and food stamps for people in need" - A "your on your own" approach to the poor and less fortunate by the GOP on a regular basis.

"Cutting spending while not investing" - The GOP's belief on reducing the size of government while at the same time preventing essential investing to allow our economy to grow and improve

"Treating America's economy like its family of 4's family budget" - The constant argument the GOP makes about the defecit. When a family cant afford something, they cut spending to live within their means. This is the saddest example possible when it comes to the deficit. America's economy is nothing like a family budget, although, I wouldn't expect much more of a logical comparison by the GOP. They appeal to non-educated workers who believe republicans look out for their best interest.
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LOL!!!

What's this, dude...derailing your own thread?
 
If you're going to require all eligible voters to vote, you should include the options "I Don't Know" and "Nobody" on the ballot.
 
Responsibility begins with discipline, and discipline requires that we do things we may not want to do. With absentee ballots being available, and so much media available to evaluate candidates and make a decision, it is hardly possible to argue that Americans of voting age should have any real problems being able to vote.

Voting, especially in presidential elections, is an uncommon occurrence. I think everyone ought to make time to do it, and I have no problem with voting being compulsory.
 
SypherAL said:
Yes, i understand what your saying. By American's dying for our country they would be dying for our freedoms, so giving someone the freedom to vote would fall under that category. Beliefs like this is what America was founded on. However, I do believe greater respect could be paid to such hero's by participating in elections on a regular basis, voting is a good thing, but choosing not to vote is your right as a United States citizen. So many people could influence elections if they simply went out and voted. Republican or Democrat, I don't care, lets have an honest election. Many people neglect voting as an inconvenience, however, I am proud to vote on election day, some people around the world would do anything to participate in a free election.
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If people are ignorant about the candidates they are voting for then it doesn't matter how many elections they are participating in or if they vote on a regular basis, it is still a bad thing. An honest election is where all the voters are fully informed about all the candidates.Encouraging people to be informed about the candidates before voting is what the get out vote campaigns should be doing. Requiring people by law to vote would only make this situation of politically ignorant people voting a lot worse and it won't encourage people to become fully informed about all the candidates.
 
I voted "Only a Certain Amount..."

I am for a Poll Exam prior to allowing anyone to vote. If you can't pass it, you don't get to vote. Choose not to vote or fail the exam three years in a row and you lose your voter registration PERMANENTLY.
 
Oh god no. I mean I vote, but never vote a candidate. Living in a hardcore conservative state is fun because I can vote for whoever.
 
SypherAL said:
My opinion: If you live in the United States, you will be required to vote in the United States. It would be a huge dis-respect to the millions of Americans that died for this country to sit at home on election day. This is a freedom many have died for so get out and participate!
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Tigger said:
I voted "Only a Certain Amount..."

I am for a Poll Exam prior to allowing anyone to vote. If you can't pass it, you don't get to vote. Choose not to vote or fail the exam three years in a row and you lose your voter registration PERMANENTLY.
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I'm not sure which post is more discouraging and more un-American.
 
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