Compulsory voting

[Black Orchid]

Until party candidates can be elected by the people I see absolutely no worthwhile reason for Australia to become a republic

I didn't vote for Rudd and I certainly didn't vote for Gillard. The thought that she could have become Australia's first President is abhorrent

[boxy]

The thought that she could have become Australia's first President is abhorrent

Really?

Why?

Is the thought of her being a President worse than being the Prime Minister? Why?

[boxy]

Voting should remain compulsory, otherwise, it leaves the fate of the nation in the hands of the extremists. When voting is done only by those with either a vested interest, or the radicals, it encourages extremism. Making the politicians pander to the middle ground is better than having the extreme fringe battle to drive a wedge through the electorate.

[IQS.RLOW]

Voting should remain compulsory, otherwise, it leaves the fate of the nation in the hands of the extremists. When voting is done only by those with either a vested interest, or the radicals, it encourages extremism. Making the politicians pander to the middle ground is better than having the extreme fringe battle to drive a wedge through the electorate.

Voting should remain non compulsory, otherwise, it leaves the fate of the nation in the hands of the extremists who don't give a fuck or thought. When voting is done only by those with a vested interest it means an engaged voter base. Making the politicians pander to the whiny noisy minorities is driving a wedge through the electorate and is a recipe for disaster. It encourages the minority extremists to think that they can drive a wedge through the electorate

Booyah

[Rorschach]

Voting should remain compulsory, otherwise, it leaves the fate of the nation in the hands of the extremists. When voting is done only by those with either a vested interest, or the radicals, it encourages extremism. Making the politicians pander to the middle ground is better than having the extreme fringe battle to drive a wedge through the electorate.

So those extremists don't vote under your compulsory system and distort the vote?

Or is it just that you fear people who actually care enough to vote and are calling them extremists?

[mantra]

Voting should remain compulsory, otherwise, it leaves the fate of the nation in the hands of the extremists. When voting is done only by those with either a vested interest, or the radicals, it encourages extremism. Making the politicians pander to the middle ground is better than having the extreme fringe battle to drive a wedge through the electorate.

I agree and that's why the coalition supporters are braying for non compulsory voting. They haven't thought it through believing those who would be too lazy to vote would be from the left. It could work either way - extremists not only from the right - but the left as well could gain long term control of parliament.

[Rorschach]

1/ It's not the federal COALITION asking for this.
2/ No one is asking for this.
3/ It's a discussion paper put forward by the Qld LNP.
4/ To dismiss it out of hand would mean you are an idiot.
5/ IMO some people shouldn't be allowed to vote.

[mantra]

1/ It's not the federal COALITION asking for this.
2/ No one is asking for this.
3/ It's a discussion paper put forward by the Qld LNP.
4/ To dismiss it out of hand would mean you are an idiot.

Where is it being dismissed? If Newman gets his way - then the next Federal Coalition will likely follow suit. What's Abbott's opinion on this or is he playing dumb as usual?

5/ IMO some people shouldn't be allowed to vote.

Good thing your opinion is irrelevant.

[Aussie]

IMO some people shouldn't be allowed to vote.

How about you provide us with a realistic list...and details of the practicalities on how you would enforce it?

[Super Nova]

I think Compulsory voting is a good thing and it has worked well in Australia.

That way every knows they have had there say in the outcome. It gets some off their arse to go and vote and think about who they should vote for.