Compulsory Voting

David Blunkett - with with his trademark lack of respect for freedom and individual responsibility - on the idea of compulsory voting:

"We should introduce compulsory voting between now and next May. Forty per cent of the population aren't voting, therefore they are leaving the other 60% to cast their vote for them and we know that those in greatest need are least likely to vote," he said.

Note how this is less about principle and more about maximising the Labour vote at the next election. Although quite how those stay-at-home Labour voters would feel towards the government if they were forced by law to head to the ballot box might be a different kettle of fish.

Now, I'm all for everyone in the country heading to the ballot box on election day. Voting is an essential part of our democracy, and - regardless of what you might think - people fought and died for your right to vote. Voting is a right for people in this country; and it is a right that should be exercised.

However, I can't bring myself to favour compulsory voting anymore. Democracy has to include the right to opt out, particularly if you find there is no-one representing what you believe in. A free society also requires people to have the right not to vote if they so wish. Any proposal to introduce compulsory voting has to come with the threat of punishment, and as a result it is essentially a negative measure. It isn't making people want to vote; it is forcing them to do so whether they like it or not.

If politicians actually want to increase turnout, then they should inspire people. They should offer groundbreaking policies that interest people and make them want to support the party in the ballot box. The declining turnout over recent General Elections isn't indicative of a declining interest in the general public about how this country is run; it is simply showing the lack of choice between the potential parties for government and how uninspiring the status quo is.

Don't make us vote; make us want to vote.