THW make voting compulsory.

PROP

100

Democracy is stronger when everyone participates.

• More equal political representation.
• Policies better reflect public needs.

Quality of participation matters more than quantity.

200

Democracies require citizens to contribute, not just receive benefits. Society already requires participation in collective systems (following laws, paying taxes, education).

Voting is fundamentally different from taxes or legal obligations.

• Taxes fund public goods directly.
• Voting expresses personal political values and beliefs.
• The state should not compel political expression.

300

Elections become more moderate when the entire population participates.

• Voluntary voting often attracts highly motivated ideological voters; moderate or disengaged citizens stay home.
• Mandatory participation broadens the electorate and rewards candidates who appeal to wider audiences.

• Disengaged voters do not automatically become moderate voters.
• Politicians may resort to simplistic messaging to attract uninterested voters.

OPP

100

Citizens should have the freedom to participate or not. Forcing political participation undermines individual autonomy. 

Democracies already require citizens to contribute to collective systems (taxes, obeying laws, jury duty in some countries).

200

Choosing not to vote can itself be a political statement.

Citizens can still submit a blank ballot, spoil their ballot, or formally abstain.

300

Compulsory voting creates uninformed voting. Mandatory turnout may lead to random, protest, or low-quality voting.

Voluntary voting does not guarantee informed voting either. When turnout is broad, campaigns shift from mobilizing loyal supporters to explaining policies to ordinary citizens.