Cast a vote! Win a prize! English voters may soon have motivation to cast a vote that goes beyond civic duty. One official wants to enter voters into a raffle when they cast a ballot in local elections. She hopes it would lead to high turnout and overall community engagement.
About 150 years ago, Americans spent election day enjoying free (alcoholic) beverages and live entertainment with friends. These parties, along with the 90 percent voter turnout, remain in the past.
But, a recent test study conducted by Yale University political scientists found that well-advertised parties at the polls substantially increased voter turnout in a local election.
Does celebratory or solemn make for a better polling mood? Would you worry that "incentives" could send the wrong message or get partisan?
Pringle
Pierre Hardy
Giuseppe Zanotti
Why isn't a country being run the way you want it to be not incentive enough?
I don't like this idea at all!
1If the only reason your voting is because of an incentive than presumably you may not even be informed about the canidates. And while every one has the right to vote, I would certainly prefer if those who do are doing it because they have an opinion not because they want a prize.
2you're* grammar police!
3That's what I was going to say, Em. I think people would just pick a name on a ballot to get the prize, and I'd much rather have a lower voter turn out if most of them will be informed.
4I can see how this would be a good idea in a new democacy, a place like Iraq or something, to get them intersted and used to the idea not to mention to show them that its safe, but in an indultrialized nation with hundreds of years of safe and fair elections? Nope.
5I was going to say exactly what cabaker27 wrote...parties just shouldn't be necessary anymore and seem too partisan.
6Hey, I'm willing to vote for the candidate who buys me the most beer and pizza. I can be bought. (Does that make me easy?)
7No Dave there are plenty of other comments one could use if looking for proof that you are easy!
8I wouldn't mind if someone handed me a Coke while I was waiting to vote.
9Ahh, well, thanks (??)
10Steph you didn't donuts last time? After I walked out of the booth there were people with donuts and you could grab one! I think it was boy scouts or something, or someone doing a fund raiser...
11Dave!!! COPIER!!!!
Oh we are SO through!
12there's too much changing of avatars this week. i can't handle it!
13But this was to honor you! We had cupcakes for the 4th, and I had to laugh, because I was thinking I was eating a Cabaker...
14"If the only reason your voting is because of an incentive than presumably you may not even be informed about the canidates. And while every one has the right to vote, I would certainly prefer if those who do are doing it because they have an opinion not because they want a prize."
Amen, Em. That is exactly what I was going to say, and you have saved me the time!
15I agree an incentive shouldn't be a reason to vote. However, I think a non-partisan "party at the polls" would be a good idea in areas where people are less likely to vote because of inconvienece.. ex: rural voters having to drive into town. Or lunch hour parties in cities for workers who may only have their lunch break to vote.
16Ditto and ditto. I don't support encouraging people to vote just to vote. I get annoyed by campaigns like "Rock the Vote" because if you don't care, and you're not informed, why vote? We don't want people going in and choosing at random just to pull the lever.
I thought at first this was going to be about election night parties which I totally support. Super Tuesday is just as much an excuse to gather 'round the tv with friends and dip as the Super Bow.
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