The concept behind mandatory voting isn't new. Australia and Belgium are often brought up in conversation as examples.
Excerpt:
Every registered voter in California might be required to vote in an election if a North Bay assemblyman’s bill becomes law.
Asm. Marc Levine (D - Marin County) introduced Assembly Bill 2070 to the legislature on Tuesday, so it still has a long way to go. If the bill manages to go the distance, it would require every registered voter in the state to cast a ballot by mail or at a vote center beginning in 2022.
The Secretary of State would also be able to enforce the bill with "civil remedies" to maximize voter turnout.
"Democracy is not a spectator sport — it requires the active participation of all of its citizens," Levine said."California is a national leader on expanding voting rights to its citizens. Those rights come with a responsibility by registered voters to cast their ballot and make sure that their voice is heard by their government.
"This is not a time to be complacent at the ballot box. My AB 2070 will ensure that the voices of all California voters are heard loud and clear."
Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, said people will have strong feelings about the assemblymember's proposal.
"If nothing else, it will generate lively discussion about whether mandatory voting in California is a good idea or not," Alexander said.
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Every registered voter in California might be required to vote in an election if a North Bay assemblyman’s bill becomes law.
Asm. Marc Levine (D - Marin County) introduced Assembly Bill 2070 to the legislature on Tuesday, so it still has a long way to go. If the bill manages to go the distance, it would require every registered voter in the state to cast a ballot by mail or at a vote center beginning in 2022.
The Secretary of State would also be able to enforce the bill with "civil remedies" to maximize voter turnout.
"Democracy is not a spectator sport — it requires the active participation of all of its citizens," Levine said."California is a national leader on expanding voting rights to its citizens. Those rights come with a responsibility by registered voters to cast their ballot and make sure that their voice is heard by their government.
"This is not a time to be complacent at the ballot box. My AB 2070 will ensure that the voices of all California voters are heard loud and clear."
Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, said people will have strong feelings about the assemblymember's proposal.
"If nothing else, it will generate lively discussion about whether mandatory voting in California is a good idea or not," Alexander said.