Blog 3

William A. Galston, a senior at the Brookings Institution, wrote an opinionated article in the New York Times: Telling Americans to Vote or Else. Galston’s article covers voter turnout and why he believes voting should be mandatory. The intended audience for his article are citizens of the united states and the other 164 countries who have not adopted mandatory voting. Being a senior of a group that conducts research and educates the public, many people may find him to be a very credible person on this type of subject matter. In his article, Galston explains the increase of turnout in Australia after adopting mandatory voting. Although the data collected by Galston on Australia’s voting turnout was positive, I would have to disagree with his opinion. Yes, voter turnout will definitely increase if there is a punishment attached for those who do not vote, but citizens would be voting for all the wrong reasons. Instead of wanting to make a change in our democracy, people would be voting to not get punished. I believe many people would not take the time to educate themselves which will not help our country. Although, there is some way that this could work. All of the money that Galston claims mandatory voting will save can be used to educate the public on the candidates and their beliefs. More votes does not necessarily equal a better democracy unless the citizens are making educated votes.