Should politicians force us to the polls?
And what if you could sell your vote? In episode 46, we weigh up the arguments for and against mandatory voting and the market for selling votes.
Episode 46 is now live. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, Google Podcasts and more.
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Should politicians force us to the polls?
Should voting be required by law? Should you have to pay a fine if you fail to go to the polls?
With voter turnout dropping around the world, Ant & Jake look at the example of Australia and the effects of mandatory voting. Advocates for mandatory voting say that apart from getting voter turnout above 90%, it makes citizens more politically aware, makes governments more representative and means candidates can focus more on issues. But do these bear out in practice? And is it an infringement on people's liberty to force them to the polls?
Then, in the second half of the episode, they ask the question: what if you could sell your vote? Economists normally argue that the free market leads to more efficient outcomes, but could the risks outweigh the benefits. And would commodifying a vote undermine the very sanctity of democracy?
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Until next time!
Jake & Ant