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Voting Plus Lottery Equals Voter Turnout?

Posted by michael on from the you-never-know dept.

qmark_is_mysterious writes "Fortune magazine has a interesting article on how it could be possible to increase voter turnout to 100% by making your vote an entry to a national lottery. By offering a prizes of up to $10 million dollars it's hoped that many people who feel disenfranchised will be motivated to go vote and express their opinion. A group in Arizona is trying to get an initiative on the 2006 ballot to get this implemented in that state. Do you think offering cash prizes will make elections more popular and effective?"

3 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. Do you really want them to vote? by waynegoode · · Score: 5, Insightful
    If someone is only going to vote because of the long-shot chance of winning a lot of money, do you really want that person to help decide the future of our country?

    If someone is not motivated to participate by civic duty, the country is better off without their participation. Why are we interesting in 100% voter participation in voting? We need 100% participation in concern and consideration about our country/state/city. Bribing someone to vote does not remove apathy, it highlights it.

  2. lottery for representatives instead by ghostlibrary · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I took this idea one further once. When you vote, your name is entered into a lottery for a seat in the House of Representatives. After the election, each state draws 1 ticket (from all who voted) to randomly appoint 1 Rep.

    The winner, if they accept, gets 2 years employment at standard Rep salary (over $150k curerntly), guaranteed time off from their current job, and all the usual perks of being a Rep.

    It'd be 1 additional Rep for each state, adding a senatorial weight and slightly expanding the House. If the winner declines, the state just keeps drawing tickets until one accepts.

    This would finally give a chance for real representation in the House (as well as expanding past the usual straight-line two parties).

    It probably wouldn't increase voter turnout, unlike the cash lottery plan, but it'd be a great political achievement.

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    A.
  3. NATIONAL HOLIDAY by Hard_Code · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Do what other countries do and make it a NATIONAL HOLIDAY. How do we expect the poor and disenfranchised to vote if they have to somehow get out of work to vote? How hard is that.

    (I believe there are various patchwork laws that allow certain periods of time off, but it needs to be national, at least for national elections)

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    It's 10 PM. Do you know if you're un-American?