The concept of voting as a civic duty parallels other legal obligations we already observe, such as jury duty, compulsory education, obtaining driver’s licenses, and paying taxes.
These requirements, though at times more burdensome and intrusive, are essential to maintaining the social contract and a functioning democracy.
Given its critical role in democratic governance, voting could be treated similarly—as a legal obligation and civic duty. Implementing mandatory voting would necessitate changes to current laws, but it would ensure that every eligible citizen participates in the electoral process.
Non-participation could carry specific consequences, such as the forfeiture of certain government services, including social assistance, unemployment benefits, driver’s licenses, passports, or health cards. This approach would encourage broader participation in municipal, provincial, and federal elections, helping to engage both majority and minority groups, as statistics suggest this would be one of the most efficient ways to increase voter turnout.
Critics of mandatory voting argue that voting should remain a personal choice and that compelling people to vote may lead to unengaged or uninformed participation. Furthermore, penalizing citizens who fail to vote, especially those with legitimate reasons—such as illness or difficulty accessing polling stations—raises concerns of fairness.
In conclusion, the proposal to make voting a legal obligation warrants careful consideration. While it has the potential to strengthen democratic participation, the ethical and practical implications must be thoroughly evaluated by policymakers and society to determine if this is the optimal path toward a more inclusive and representative democracy.
