the laws of the world

[iwanttobeanangel]

G'day all...

This is a post for :usa fishies... actually, it can go for all fishies!

I went to see Black Eyed Peas in concert the other week (they were freeeeeeeaking awesome!) and they were talking about the big election that is coming up for you :usa fishies..... everyone at the concert had to light their phones up and it looked so awesome, and the 'vibes' from us at the concert supposedly went through the phones to all you beautiful ppl in the USA :cheesy Strange yes I know, but interesting!

So anyways... I'm curious about some things... Here in :aussie it is law that you have to be registered and you gotta vote once you turn eighteen... but over there it isn't the law is it?
So does that mean it is your choice whether you choose to vote or not?
How many ppl usually vote? Or does it depend on the election?

And what about in other countries besides USA... how about any fishies in UK? Is it law to vote over there?

[jelliebean]

Voting in the US isnt mandatory, but it is only open to people over age of eightteen. It usually depends on the election, how many people actually vote. There are generally more voters for presidential elections than any other time, but its still sad the number of people who dont exercise their right to vote, a right so many people fought so hard to get for us.

[Vicks]

voter turn out in the US isn't as high as I feel it should be. For the last presidential race it was around fifty percent. For a school board election, the turn out might be ten or twenty percent. It is really sad to me that so many people do not vote and/or are not even registered to vote.

Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance - gives stats for a variety of countries, voting perecentages and registered percentatges.

I am proud tho, of this year because this year the number of registered voters is has increased tremendously. Here in New jersey thousands upon thousands of people who have never registered in an Election are not registered and that makes me thrilled!

What is still sad, tho is that voting rates are still based someone upon education. The more educated you are the more likely you are to vote. Hopefully, one day everyoen will remember and realize how important their voice is.

Vicks