Do you Vote?

[bonnington]

Since in Argentina to vote is mandatory and in the US is not, I want to know if you vote or not, and what do you think about it.

[SpursStalker]

Originally Posted by bonnington

Since in Argentina to vote is mandatory and in the US is not, I want to know if you vote or not, and what do you think about it.

How do they make it mandatory?

[TheBronze]

Yes I vote.

[EG 20]

Originally Posted by SpursStalker

How do they make it mandatory?

By law. Everyone, between 18 and 70, has to vote.

[bonnington]

Originally Posted by SpursStalker

How do they make it mandatory?

It's the law. You have to vote. Actually the people who vote is 75% ( more or less). To avoid it you must be far from your district, or ill.

[EG 20]

If you're under 18, you can't vote, and if you're over 70, it's up to you, you decide.

[Spurfan15]

Ive just started voting, but I've voted in 1/1 elections... 100% and I plan on voting in every election.

[TheLadiesMike]

I think the question is how that is enforced. A fine? Jail time?

And, yes, I vote. I only miss some small elections like for bond issues.

[SpursStalker]

Originally Posted by bonnington

It's the law. You have to vote. Actually the people who vote is 75% ( more or less). To avoid it you must be far from your district, or ill.

Hmmm so I guess they know if you dont vote how? Do you get a letter? Whats the penalty?

[EG 20]

Originally Posted by bonnington

It's the law. You have to vote. Actually the people who vote is 75% ( more or less). To avoid it you must be far from your district, or ill.

That's right, if you're more than 500 km away from home (312 miles) or outside the country, you can avoid it.

[boo_radley]

We could use a law like that since we get such piss poor voter turn-out; I'm sad to say that I missed every election between ages 18 and 23, but never again!

[andrea js]

whoa i didn't know voting was law in argentina

guess i learned something new

and in my case, I voted my first election, the last one I just voted for local counsils, but not for president

[bonnington]

Originally Posted by SpursStalker

Hmmm so I guess they know if you dont vote how? Do you get a letter? Whats the penalty?

Actually, I don't know. We have and ID card that is like a little book and then when you vote the put a seal on it. So I think that if when you have to do an official matter they can ask you why the seal is missing.

[mg06]

Well, yes, voting is mandatory here... sort of. Because though that's what the law says, if the punishment for not abiding by the law is a ridiculously low amount of money -as it is the case-, then it becomes one's de-facto prerogative.

Probably there's some other additional punishment, such as not being able to perform public duties for a period of time... but since it's rarely enforced, nobody really gives a crap. Besides, it never crossed my mind not exercising my civic duties.

As to how do they know you voted or not, if you're an electoral authority you're handed a registry with all those assigned to you, and you're supposed to complete and surrender it once the day is over.

[SpurInDallas]

I vote in all the major elections.

[SpursStalker]

Originally Posted by mg06

Well, yes, voting is mandatory here... sort of. Because though that's what the law says, if the punishment for not abiding by the law is a ridiculously low amount of money -as it is the case-, then it becomes one's de-facto prerogative.

Probably there's some other additional punishment, such as not being able to perform public duties for a period of time... but since it's rarely enforced, nobody really gives a crap. Besides, it never crossed my mind not exercising my civic duties.

As to how do they know you voted or not, if you're an electoral authority you're handed a registry with all those assigned to you, and you're supposed to complete and surrender it once the day is over.

Hmm very interesting ... too bad we dont have that here, then maybe people who dont vote would quite their b!tchin on how the country is run.

[mg06]

Originally Posted by SpursStalker

too bad we dont have that here, then maybe people who dont vote would quite their b!tchin on how the country is run.

Well... you do have to vote, but not necessarily in a constructive way. If you want, you can submit a blank vote, or you can nullify it.

Ohh, and trust me, the b!tching doesn't end no matter what electoral system you have

[kyleo]

1/2 presidential races. I learned my lesson the first time (in 2000).

[phillyspurslover]

Originally Posted by bonnington

Since in Argentina to vote is mandatory and in the US is not, I want to know if you vote or not, and what do you think about it.

i vote EVERY time...not just for president's....and i think anyone who doesn't vote has no right to complain about the choices that our leaders make.

[SpursStalker]

Originally Posted by mg06

Well... you do have to vote, but not necessarily in a constructive way. If you want, you can submit a blank vote, or you can nullify it.

Ohh, and trust me, the b!tching doesn't end no matter what electoral system you have

I'll give AND agree with you on those