Editorial Board took the position that compulsory voting is a bad thing, leading to ignorant voters. However, in numerous past editorial pieces, the Indiana Daily Student has held that everyone should vote, that voting is a civic duty and that to not vote is irresponsible. So what is it? If voting is a personal choice to exercise a right when one feels mature and informed enough to do so, then why are people who choose not to vote (because they feel they are not informed enough, are disillusioned with the political system in America or don't see how having one of two similar people in the White House affects them) so ridiculed? On the other hand, if this is a civic duty (something you should do) why not make voting compulsory? Have 18-year-olds register to vote just as 18-year-old males register for the draft. In fact, compulsory voting for 18- to 28-year-olds (ensuring two presidential elections occur) would build the sense of civic pride and duty that is lacking in many young adults. In Brazil, compulsory voting for everyone 18 to 80 is being used to build "buy-in" to democracy. It seems that such a move is now necessary for the young people in America.
John Infante\nSenior
