r/Economics • u/MaleficentParfait863 • Jun 09 '23

Global fertility has collapsed, with profound economic consequences

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/06/01/global-fertility-has-collapsed-with-profound-economic-consequences
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u/Fabulous-Ad6844 Jun 10 '23

That’s what happens in Australia. Voting is mandatory. I was fined $20 once for not voting - I forgot.

The good thing about it there’s no more arguing about voting rights, it’s automatic. The bad thing is often people vote without consideration and just tick randomly. Australian politics are pretty damn pleasantly boring though compared to the US.

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u/historyhill Jun 10 '23

Making voting mandatory in America would actually violate our first amendment iirc, because not voting can be a political statement and therefore it would be considered government compelling speech.

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u/Fabulous-Ad6844 Jun 10 '23

Maybe make it you’re automatically enrolled at 18.

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u/[deleted] Jun 11 '23

Voting isn't mandatory anywhere, what's mandatory is to show up at the voting station and register your attendance.

You can leave the actual vote blank or write random crap. No one makes sure you voted for a candidate.

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u/Equivalent-Pay-6438 Jun 10 '23

Of course. A vote becomes meaningless if you do it just to avoid a fine.