Task Force: Compulsory Voting

Congratulations!

You have been given the opportunity to decide whether or not voting should be compulsory in the United States. You will be asked to explain why or why not U.S. citizens should be required to vote. 

Why Are We Doing This?

In the United States, no one is required to vote and the constitution describes it as a right and a privilege. Every citizen is allowed to vote once they turn eighteen years old. Approximately 56% of eligible voters voted in the 2016 presidential election. Here, we ask you to consider the importance of casting a vote and suggest whether or not voting should be made compulsory.

Steps:

1. Before you begin, research information about voting in the United States. How often do eligible voters use their right to vote? Why is voting important? Why are some citizens discouraged from voting? What is voter suppression?
2. Then, try to come up with a decision of whether or not voting should be compulsory in the United States.
   1. Should voting be compulsory? Why or why not?
   2. Why is the right to vote important?
   3. What groups/communities tend to not vote based off your research?
   4. What are some ways you can motivate citizens to vote?
   5. Does every vote matter? Why do so many people decide not to vote?
   6. How do you think your decision will impact future elections?
   7. How can you ensure voters will not randomly select a candidate? Are those who use their right to vote well-informed when they make a selection?
3. Think through the possible objections about your decisions that someone might have.
4. Share with the group and see if you can convince them to agree with your decision. 

Things to Keep in Mind:

•  You do not have to come up with an exhaustive list of guidelines for your plan. Choose a few that you are prepared to defend.