Possible fine for not voting?

[buddy]

I watched an interview last week between Keith Olberman (MSNBC) and former Nixon Legal Counsel, John Dean.

Dean is concerned about the large numbers of eligible voters who do not vote....79 million in last presidential election.

Made mention of another country, Australia I think, where residents are fined $15 for not voting. As a result, there voting statistics are 80%+ for all eligible voters.

As it is now in the USA, the "not voting" population greatly favors the Republicans.

Said if it was a partisan issue, Republicans would fight the penalty "tooth and nail".

If a "not voting penalty" was to be considered, it would probably be first tested in a state like California.

 

[Grama]

all for it but it would never pass. could help the gov't, but the house and senate members paying taxes would also.

 

[Mickstr68]

As much as the constitution says you have the freedom of right to vote, it also gives you the right not to vote.

I think we need more people to vote also. The problem is you can't force people to vote, they have to do it of their own will. It's people's apathy that needs to change, not the laws which allow a government to monetarily penalize people who choose not to exercise that voting right.

 

[djv]

Buddy if what you said is correct about none voters being R's. I would say there was a bunch of them that sure didnt like Bush if they stayed home. Buddy a fine might work. But The cost maybe more to run the agencie to collect the fines then its worth. I would have thought it was Indepentents that did not show up finding neither Bush or Gore to there likeing. Lets face it these to left us little to pick from.
I do thing to get more voters out there and to help take some of there excuses away about time. Our voting locations should either be open 24 hours. Or as they are now with the day set for Friday. Then open again Saturday morning for 4 hours. All news out lets would not allowed to start blowing there smoke up our a?? till after 10 am Saturday. Just think how nice that would be reguler programing on Friday. And no BS till after 10 am Saturday.

 

[VaNurse]

To the Legal Beagles out there:
Are "conspiracy to obstruct justice and to defraud the government" felonies? Am I correct that someone convicted of a felony has lost the privilege to vote?

I'm just curious that Mr. Dean has such strong opinions on this issue.

 

[djv]

Good point and yes Felonies in I believe most states can not vote.

 

[VaNurse]

DJV, I agree with extending the poll hours. In order to survive in today's economy, I'm forced to commute approx. 1-1/2 hours to get to and from work. I'm the only one in my workplace who drives this distance and it would be a real consideration by my employer (and an imposition to my clients as I'm the sole nurse in the facility) to allow me the luxury of the extra time. Sadly, the polls here are slower than my dead grandma! If the polls were open even two hours later, I'd be able to vote more often.

 

[loophole]

not doubt that a "reverse poll tax" would be held unconstitutional. vanurse, depends on what state your in, but in most and in federal system those offenses would be felonies. convicted felons lose the right to vote, but in most states only until they complete their sentence or probation. however, i do believe there are several states where they lose the right for life, but i'm not completely sure.

 

[mercury]

John dean's proposal was idiotic!You mean to tell me that if 90%of this country's eligible voters did vote that we would be better off?would these people be informed voters, or would they be the ones who are easily swayed by the clever politicians.
I would rather have 35% percent of informed voters doing the voting.
Paying people to vote, fining them,looking for ways to make it easy and comfortable to vote are just ridiculous in my opinion.I bet a lot of non voters have no trouble standing in line for a movie or sports event.