Compulsory Voting: A Remedy or Ruse for Democracy?
The debate over compulsory voting revolves around a trade-off between participation and liberty. Scholars emphasize that democracy thrives on political participation, but the question remains whether participation should be forced.
A fundamental aspect of democracy is that citizens impacted by institutions should have a say. Without active engagement in politics, representative institutions risk failing to reflect the preferences of the governed people.
Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, yet worldwide, voter turnout has been declining, raising urgent questions about the health of democratic systems and the legitimacy of those who govern.
The growing concerns are not without basis.
Authors ask for help in shaping future priorities through a five-minute survey, particularly from IDS alumni in MA Governance, Development & Public Policy.
Author's summary: Exploring compulsory voting's impact on democracy.