Imagine living in a country in which the two major parties had nominated a statist, war-mongering crook and a nasty authoritarian narcissist. Imagine being embarrassed that after more than two centuries of existence this apparently was the best your beloved country could do. Imagine considering that the best option on Election Day might be committing ritual Seppuku, but deciding to stay home instead.

The Freedom to Stay Home

Politicians have no right to insist that the disaffected suffer through the humiliation of voting.But then imagine government officials showing up at your door, demanding that you accompany them to the polling place to vote for one of the candidates who you would scratch your eyes out before actually watching speak. That is the world which some high-minded "civic activists" desire.

Every election can be expected to unleash ponderous commentaries bemoaning low voter turnout. Many Americans don't register, let alone cast ballots. Why, oh why, won't they get out and participate—which usually means vote left? It is so unfair, we are told. The wealthy, elderly, and well-educated disproportionately participate, which "skews policymaking," complained the Economist. Just think of all the government programs the underrepresented could vote for themselves if only they showed up on Election Day.

Of course, there is another way of looking at the process. Today those most likely to follow politics, understand issues, watch the news, and know the candidates vote disproportionately. Which might "skew" policy, but presumably in a very good way. Those choosing America's leaders are actually more likely to know something. Amazing thought!

Forced to Vote

For those determined to drive more people to the polls, the options seem few. Civic propaganda and celebrity endorsements don't do much. Postal ballots actually may reinforce existing voting patterns. Election Day registration has limited effect. Treating elections as a holiday is a bust.

So, as one would expect, minds turn to coercion. Make people vote. Force them to act on their ignorance and prejudice. All that matters is pushing up turnout numbers.

The politics is clear. Polls indicate that American non-voters tend to favor Democrats. (Some surprise--those with the least interest in elections and knowledge about issues are more likely to favor the party which popularized the strategy of tax, spend, and elect.) No wonder Democrats are more likely to push increased voting by any means possible fair or foul.

The best tactic might be withdrawing legitimacy from those who win.Mandatory voting isn't a new idea. Both Australia and Belgium penalize non-voters. Down Under you get hit with a roughly $14 fine if you don't have a good excuse for staying home. (A bit like having a parent's note for missing a day of school.)

Of course, those in favor of a coerced ballot emphasize that you are free to do what you want once you are in the polling place—choose no one, spoil the ballot, write in Mickey Mouse, or tear up the sheet. At least the authorities don't look over your shoulder to ensure that you mark one of the approved establishment alternatives for office.