An Australian Perspective: Elections are on Saturdays.

[denem]

It's not rocket science why 65+ have the highest turnout in US elections: They mostly have the day off.

Whatever day is chosen there will be those who are disadvantaged, Saturday is not good for Orthodox Jews, but how much sense does it make to have the Election Day when the vast majority of the people are working?

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Why does it have to be a single day? Why can't it be multiple days?

[denem]

2. +!

[Yavin4]

3. Exactly

It should be extended for a week at the very least.

[tledford]

8. It is multiple days in many states already. It is called "early voting." eom

[totodeinhere]

4. Aren't employers required to give their employees time off to vote?

If not they should be.

[Very_Boring_Name]

6. There is no federal law that says that, however individual states do have laws that do that

[stevenleser]

5. If we extend voting until Midnight, even Orthodox Jews will have no issues. n/t

[sadbear]

7. We're not really interested in democracy in this country

There's a lot of electoral reforms we could have to ensure higher turnout, but we just don't want that, do we?

[yodermon]

9. I thought in Australia it was mandatory to vote?

by law?
you get fined if you don't?
off to the google!...

on edit:
yep! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_electoral_system#Compulsory_voting

[denem]

12. It's a $10 fine if you don't, No biggy . Turnout is around 90%.

Failure to vote is NOT a criminal offense.

[anakie]

14. turnout in Australia is well over 90%

with the exception of the Northern Territory.

http://results.aec.gov.au/15508/Website/HouseDownloadsMenu-15508-csv.htm

Polling stations open 0800-1800 on Saturdays, with provision for early voting either at early voting stations or postal vote.

We probably average an election every 2 years or so either federal, state or local.All is compulsory; and the vast majority of people appear happy with this set up. 10 or 20 minutes on a Saturday every 2 years is not an imposition to most of us.

As for the fine, any excuse will do to be exempt.

At least with compulsory voting there is a true representation of the populace. When only 90 million people out of a possible 250 million or so registered or eligible voters vote - a well organised minority group ie the teabaggers, can get their agenda across quite easily. To an outside observer it appears apathy rules when it comes to elections in the US.

peace

[Bluenorthwest]

10. We have about 2 weeks of voting

Vote by mail or direct drop off of ballots. It is a breeze.

[COLGATE4]

11. I imagine it won't be a popular idea here on DU, but I for one

would like to see voting obligatory here, not optional. Voting is too important to be left to the 'I guess maybe I won't bother this year'.

[treestar]

13. Great idea.

And also I like the way they have to stop campaigning for 48 hours before.

[anakie]

15. and the campaign runs for a maximum of 6 weeks

not 2 years. It actually gives the government a chance to govern.


peace