If voting were mandatory would that alter campaigning.

[Perky]

Australia require voting. You pay a small fine for not voting. I wonder how this would effect the political landscape here.

Seems to be that that it migh alter the calculus dramatically in that today the equaltion is rally your base and scare the middle that votes towards you. But if voting wasy mandatory the base would be less important becasue while you could probably depend on them, you would have to attract a lot more of the middle/apathetic/ indifferent.

Thoughts.

[Philosoraptor]

1. Every adult should be required to vote or pay a fine

I agree. How bad could it be if everyone voted? only a tiny percent vote here and we always get screwed.

[LiberalArkie]

2. I would also limit the election cycle to 3 months

And have all the campaign expenses paid by the government. Absolutely nothing done that is not paid by the state. (all players the same).

[marions ghost]

3. yes

look at Australia for the way to go on this. Mandatory voting stimulates a lot more interest in the elections, especially among the young who tend not to vote. Even if you don't want to vote, you are at least required to show up and make it clear that you don't choose any candidate. So you are not forced to vote for anyone. In Australia there is a light fine for not showing up at all. But most people do it.