ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, November 3, 1996 TAG: 9611050018
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
A POLITICAL scientist at the University of California/San Diego has proposed that voting in the United States be made mandatory.
Well, that's certainly - eh - a thought-provoking idea. Among the thoughts provoked:
* What should be the penalty for failure to vote?
Fines? Pish-posh. That would discriminate against low-income citizens. On the other hand, with only about half of America's eligible voters expected to go to the polls Tuesday, capital punishment for the half that stay home might be, literally, overkill. Life in prison without cable, perhaps.
* How would mandatory voting be enforced?
We'll need a new federal bureaucracy. Call it the Democracy Enforcement Agency. Jackbooted DEA cops would escort all eligible voters to the polls. They'd also be empowered to check ballots to make sure no one shirks his or her duty by writing in the name of Mickey Mouse or Leonid Breshnev.
* What about those who don't vote because they're disenchanted with politics and politicians?
A bipartisan commission could be appointed to study the problem and come up with recommendations. These could be carried out by a new cabinet-level Secretary of Enchantment, supported by a national ad campaign. Possible slogans: Vote. It's the law. Or: Just say "no" to malaise and funk.
* Undecided voters?
Sorry, no excuses.
LENGTH: Short : 34 linesby CNB