Required voting yields benefits: Opposing view

Thomas E. Mann | USATODAY

Mandatory voting seems downright un-American. We rightly value our individual freedom and don't like to be told what to do by a paternalistic government. Indeed, the cynics amongst us resonate to the old line against voting at all: "It only encourages them."

But American federal, state and local governments tell us what to do and not do all the time. Paying taxes — the price of a civilized society — is compulsory. Abiding by traffic regulations restricts our freedom but helps secure our physical safety and that of our fellow citizens. Though now replaced by an all-volunteer army, conscription has been used throughout our history to secure the military personnel needed to defeat our enemies and secure our liberty. In every case, it comes down to the costs of public requirements of citizens relative to their benefits.

Several factors motivate an interest in mandatory voting today: Low turnout, especially in midterm and primary elections, contributes to extreme partisan polarization; modern campaigns reinforce non-negotiable demands by focusing disproportionately on mobilizing (or demobilizing) the base; and politicians have little incentive to respond to those who are not reliable voters. Near universal voting is not a certain remedy for these maladies, but it just might create a virtuous cycle that improves our public life.

Dozens of countries have some form of mandatory voting. Our sister democracy, Australia, has had a particularly positive experience with it and could serve as a model for us. It requires mandatory attendance at the polls (voting for "none of the above" remains an option), with a very modest fine and liberal excuse policy for not voting. Think of it as a "nudge" rather than a punitive command. Newly eligible voters are enrolled on the registration lists and civic education programs in the schools prepare them for their responsibilities as citizens; parties and candidates go looking for their support.

It's not hard to imagine new generations of American citizens benefiting from similar developments and taking their responsibility to vote in stride.

Thomas E. Mann is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a resident scholar at the University of California, Berkeley.