Mega Millions for Voting?


One of the nice things about being married to a member of the other political party is that it teaches you the importance of moderation, restraint and a sense of humor.  It also brings into crystalline clarity the differences in how we think.  We had a rich chance to view that difference this past week when Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute wrote an op-ed for the New York Times postulating that it would be a good thing if we offered voters a chance to win a million dollar lottery if they actually voted.  

            Ornstein’s argument is that if we get more people voting it would water down the strength of each party’s base extremists and give us a more moderate government.  Ornstein gives Australia as an example of a place where you are fined (about $15) for not voting with the result that Australia has a 90% voter turnout as opposed to the 50%-60% which is the best we get in this country (much less in off year and primary elections).  Through all of this discussion the theme is that our polarized parties are ineffective and narrowly focused and the broad middle ground is where we need to be.  Since he doesn’t think fining people would sell, he offers the possibility of a big win instead.

I do think that our politics needs to be much more, “middle ground.”  A compromise is a beautiful and intellectually rich example of humanity at its best.  We get to look at an issue from both sides, decide which parts of the solution we can’t live without, which we can bend on, and which can be set aside for another day.  The result is a decision that everyone has a stake in: an easier sell and an investment in success.  The world really does work best in those broad shades of gray.  But do we get to the middle ground by bribing voters to do their civic duty with a lottery ticket?  Judging from who stands in those lines to buy tickets, I doubt it. 

            I do not understand people who don’t vote.  It isn’t just a privilege, it is a duty.  How can you live in this country and not want a voice in the government you have been given?  If you have a complaint, why not vote?  If you love or hate your tax burden, why not vote?  If you think the present administration is leading us on the right path, why not vote?  If you think we are going to hell in a hand basket, why not vote?  But to vote because you think you could win the lottery is a concept that disgusts me. 

            First of all, while I think everyone should vote, and I support efforts to make voting simpler, easier, more accessible and more secure I don’t think those who choose not to vote deserve extra attention.  The same thing goes for these ubiquitous registration drives.  Have you yet to see these drives conducted by so-called, “nonpartisan” groups in a Republican leaning area or community?  Nope.  They only target groups and areas presumed to be left, liberal and Democratic. 

If you are too lazy, too stupid, too unconcerned with your civic rights and responsibilities to haul your sorry ass to the polls, I am pretty certain you won’t vote in an intelligent, sober or thoughtful manner.  I support your right to vote, but I don’t think we lose anything important in your absence.  Every legal and law-abiding citizen should vote, but only because they want to, not because the nanny state is giving them a reward for doing their duty. 

            Vote because you are a good American, and keep the faith. 

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