Contrary to what left-wing optimists had hoped, Democratic nonvoters in 2024 appear to have been less progressive than Democrats who voted. For instance, Democratic nonvoters were 14 points less likely to support banning assault rifles, 20 points less likely to support sending aid to Gaza, 17 points less likely to report believing that slavery and discrimination make it hard for Black Americans, 17 points more likely to support building a border wall with Mexico, 20 points more likely to support the expansion of fossil fuel production, and, sadly for economic populists, 16 points less likely to support corporate tax hikes (though this group still favored corporate tax hikes by a three to one margin). Overall, nonvoting Democrats were 18 points less likely to self-identify as “liberal” or “very liberal.” Here is a point for the centrists.
After spending months blaming actual leftists, it turns out it was just regular Democrats that were okay with giving Trump the presidency.
Just make voting mandatory and give people time off to vote. Read about Australia’s voting system. It’s really awesome and I wish we could have something like that here.
People refuse mandatory vaccines, can you imagine what they’d do with mandatory voting?
Give people a tax rebate for voting.
I’d rather not have people who don’t support any candidate checking the first box or making a random selection to get a tax rebate.
Actually studies show in general people take it seriously. Thought that if youre going to “have to” do it you may as well vote for someone you want.
Right now non-voters are essentially checking a quantum waveform of a box, that collapses to endorsement of the eventual winner.
Id much rather they make a choice, even a random one.
Not an awful idea, but I’m sure someone would claim it’s bribery…
Bribery to hand in a blank ballot isn’t a big deal when we’re have Felon Musk actually bribing to favor a specific party.
In Australia, even the lamest request to cancel the fine will be accepted by the government. The minor slap on the wrist just keeps everyone honest and for the most part politically aware.
Seriously. We need mandatory federal voting holidays with democracy sausages being offered at every polling station.
Doesn’t Australia also have problems with far right nut jobs though?