Should we or shouldn’t we? Compulsory Voting Should we or shouldn’t we?

Today’s Objective After today’s lesson, students will be able to… Explain the arguments both for and against compulsory voting in the United States Essential Skill Students will examine information from more than one point of view

Voting Turnout

Compulsory Voting A system in which are required to vote in elections. If eligible voters do not vote, they may be subject to fines or community service Countries with compulsory voting include: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Greece, Mexico, Peru, Turkey

Compulsory Voting Read through either the Pro and Con side of the article Highlight, annotate, and take notes on any important arguments Be prepared to partake in a debate/discussion

Debate Each person should try to participate once! Each side of the room will take a position 4 People in the middle at a time To add to the conversation, get up and tap someone in the middle is not speaking to take their seat

Discussion Questions Do you think low voter turnout is a serious problem in the U.S. that needs to be addressed? Why or why not? Do you think “Get Out The Vote” campaigns such as MTV’s “Rock the Vote” are successful at convincing young people to vote? Why do you think voter turnout among young people is traditionally so low? What effect do you think forcing people to vote would have on the democratic process? Do you think Americans would generally be in favor of or opposed to compulsory voting? Why?

Reflection Write down all the reason you can think of for why you are either for or against compulsory voting in the United States and how you think this would impact elections