The flower of democracy is withering away. Since our fathers and mothers gained the right to vote through a movement for democracy in 1987, voter turnout has dropped almost every election. Also, election violations such as bribes have been constant. In this situation, how can we make the flower of democracy blossom again? I believe that compulsory voting can be an answer for these problems.
First, compulsory voting leads higher turnout and representativeness. When voting in national elections becomes mandatory, more people get involved in an election and the turnout is likely to soars up sharply. In fact, in Australia or Belgium which has compulsory voting, turnout is over 90%. On the contrary, in Korea which has free voting, for the last two decades, the turnout for a presidential election dropped from 89.2% to 62.9% and the turnout for the election of members to National Assembly dropped from 75.8% to 46.1%. If we have compulsory voting, turnout will undoubtedly increase and consequently, chance of reflecting people’s voice will be bigger.
Second, compulsory voting helps lower illegality and corruption. When the turnout is low, it is relatively easy to rig an election. The principle is simple: The fewer voters you have, the more chance you manipulate. For example, when the turnout is about 40%, smart candidates may focus on sufficient condition, getting 20%. They may be tempted to give money or gift to voters to get their votes. However, when the turnout becomes nearly 90%, getting 20% is not sufficient condition anymore. Therefore, candidates will concentrate on not buying votes but listening people’s voice.
Some people insist that compulsory voting violates the right to abstain from voting. They say nonvoting is also the way to show people’s mind. On a moment’s thought, it may sound persuasive because we have the freedom to choose whether to vote. However, I believe that voting is a civic duty as well as a civic right. As we need a military duty or an obligation to pay taxes to build sound country, we need an obligation to vote to establish firm foundation for democratic country.
In conclusion, I think it is time to consider compulsory voting seriously. When we consider the real state of the election in Korea, it seems to be an effective solution; it can lead higher turnout and lower corruption. Though compulsory voting is still a controversial issue, if we can form a social consensus and improve our election system, the flower of democracy will blossom again.
It was really good to read your argumentative essay. I'm the opposite side of your opinion, but I think those three points you mentioned are very powerful to readers. First of all, I was very surprised to learn that Belgium and Australia have compulsory voting system. 90% of turnout sounds very shocking. What are the penalties on the case someone denies to vote? For your second basis, I agree that higher percentage of voting would decrease the illegality and corruption. On the other hand, it would be easier for some candidates to manipulate vote of some groups who don't care of politics. They would not just vote if the voting is not compulsory, but if it becomes compulsory, lots of people who don't give a damn should vote anyway, and that means big amount of meaningless vote can harm the consequence of pure will to change the world. I hope you to put concession about this on your second basis. Other than that, I have to agree your logical points of view. It was really great to hear. Thank you for your essay.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your essay and I really think that it is a good one. Even though some parts are too strong so... because I'm opposite of your idea, hard to accept your opinion.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I have only two things to improve your essay.
1. I hope you have a good title for readers' understanding. Even though your first sentence is showing that you are going to talk about democracy, I believe if you have a strong title for your essay, it would be a lot easier for readers.
2. You mentioned about 90% turnouts from the countries with compulsory voting. But is it always good to have high voting rates? I think if we have a compulsory voting system, many of Korean people will vote even though they are not sure where to vote for. I think it is important that voters should know and understand fully about their action and decision by analyzing competitors. Anyway I just wander that the number 90% means ... a lot or nothing. It can be bad if the result was not favorable. ^^ Just curious.
Thanks for the good essay.
Final draft
ReplyDeleteWill the Flower of Democracy Blossom Again?
The flower of democracy is withering away. Since our fathers and mothers gained the right to vote through a movement for democracy in 1987, voter turnout has dropped almost every election. Also, election violations such as bribes have been constant. In this situation, how can we make the flower of democracy blossom again? I believe that compulsory voting can be an answer for these problems.
First, compulsory voting leads higher turnout and representativeness. When voting in national elections becomes mandatory, more people get involved in an election and the turnout soars up sharply. In fact, in Australia or Belgium which has compulsory voting, turnout is over 90%. On the contrary, in Korea which has free voting, for the last two decades, the turnout for a presidential election dropped from 89.2% to 62.9% and the turnout for the election of members to National Assembly dropped from 75.8% to 46.1%. If we have compulsory voting, the turnout will undoubtedly increase and consequently, chance of reflecting people’s voice will be bigger.
Second, compulsory voting helps lower illegality and corruption. When the turnout is low, it is relatively easy to rig an election. The principle is simple: The fewer voters you have, the more chance you manipulate. For example, when the turnout is about 40%, smart candidates may focus on sufficient condition, getting 20%. They may be tempted to give money or gift to voters to get their votes. However, when the turnout becomes nearly 90%, getting 20% is not sufficient condition anymore. Therefore, candidates will concentrate on not buying votes but listening people’s voice.
Some people insist that compulsory voting violates the right to abstain from voting. They say nonvoting is also the way to show people’s mind. On a moment’s thought, it sounds persuasive because we have the freedom to choose whether to vote. However, I believe that voting is a civic duty as well as a civic right. As we need a military duty or an obligation to pay taxes to keep country stable, we need an obligation to vote to establish firm foundation for democratic country.
In conclusion, I think it is time to consider compulsory voting seriously. When we consider the real state of the election in Korea, it seems to be an effective solution; it can lead higher turnout and lower corruption. Though compulsory voting is still a controversial issue, if we can form a social consensus and improve our election system, the flower of democracy will blossom again.