Unit 2 Discussion
Voting
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees citizens the right to vote in elections at least every five years. Participation of citizens in the election process is important for the survival of Canada's democracy.
Over the last twenty years or so, the percentage of Canadians who vote in elections has decreased and the expectation is that this trend will continue. In recent elections, approximately 40% of eligible voters actually voted. This means of course that approximately 60% of Canadian citizens did not vote. There are many possible reasons why people do not vote. Perhaps people do not care... perhaps people cannot be bothered to vote. Perhaps people feel they are too uninformed about the issues to vote.
Many countries are concerned about the number of people who do not vote. Australia, for example, now requires all eligible voters to vote or face being fined. Australia wants all voters to be involved in the democratic process.
Should eligible voters in Canada be required by law to vote?
Consider the following questions when determining your response.
   Is it necessary to have all eligible citizens vote to ensure good government?
   Is citizens' right to choose whether to vote more important than high voter turnout rates?
   Will people make informed, responsible decisions if they are required by law to vote?
Respond to this discussion topic in thoughtful, well-written sentences.