Is it democratically acceptable not to vote in elections?
Question Dissection:
Democratically - Constitutional, orderly, common; Acceptable - Adequate, decent, respectable; Vote - Ballot, choice, poll; Elections - Decision, referendum, selection.
Purpose:
To analyze if it is democratically acceptable to vote or not vote in elections.
Audience:
People who vote; people who don't vote; Government related people; Presidents.
Frame/Focus:
Voting vs. Not voting
Question Dissection:
Democratically - Constitutional, orderly, common; Acceptable - Adequate, decent, respectable; Vote - Ballot, choice, poll; Elections - Decision, referendum, selection.
Purpose:
To analyze if it is democratically acceptable to vote or not vote in elections.
Audience:
People who vote; people who don't vote; Government related people; Presidents.
Frame/Focus:
Voting vs. Not voting
Viewpoint 1: Reasons to vote
Main Point 1: Voting is a way to speak one's mind. Concrete Example 1: While voting, people are technically telling officials and lawmakers how they feel about education, healthcare, education, public safety, social security, and other issues. Main Point 2: Voting is a way of honoring history. Concrete Example 2: There were freedom writers who stood up for themselves for all people to be able to vote. There are still people today that don't want voting to be allowed, so people should stand up and preserve the honor. Main Point 3: Voting gives you credibility. Concrete Example 3: If people aren't voting, their concerns won't really matter at all to government officials. Voting gives people the chance to make their concerns more of a top priority. Main Point 4: No complaints from non-voters. Concrete Example 4: People have no right to complain if they don't vote. If every person voted for what they wanted, the conclusion could change drastically, and they would have been able to voice their opinion. |
Viewpoint 2: Reasons not to vote
Main Point 1: Religion could prohibit it. Concrete Example 1: Jehovah's Witnesses stay neutral and don't usually vote. Other religions such as the Amish outright forbid participating in anything relating to politics. Main Point 2: People may not like any of the people/ideas that are being presented to vote for. Concrete Example 2: If someone went to vote and didn't like or prefer anyone/anything on the ballot, what is the reason to vote? They shouldn't have to vote for someone they don't want just because they need to vote. Main Point 3: People may not want to have to fight with others about candidates. Concrete Example 3: Many people have very strong views and opinions, so if you put two people in a room voting for two opposite people, things could get bad. Main Point 4: People don't believe that their vote will count for anything. Concrete Example 4: Many people believe that it is a real miracle if one vote could actually change the outcome of an election, and believe that not voting won't change anything. |
Introduction Points:
- Voting helps the voices of citizens become more important, letting the government take their opinions. It also helps show how grateful people are for the right to vote.
- Not voting can be due to religious background, or if people don't like who they're voting for.
Opening Statement:
- The right for everyone to vote finally came about in the 26th Amendment in 1971. Some people choose to vote for their own reasons, and some people choose not to vote for other reasons
Conclusion Position:
It is morally right to vote in elections. If someone doesn't like who/what they're voting for, then they simply don't have to vote. I do believe that it is democratically acceptable to not vote in elections.