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

2. 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

3. Voting Turnout

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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