Automatic registration and teaching civics are essential, says David Cay Johnston of DCReport.org
VOTING IS the essence of democracy. But how it takes place has always been tricky.Among the Iroquois peoples in North America, only women voted and only men held office. In the proto-democracy of ancient Athens, voters were divvied up into forced coalitions. In America in the late 18th century, majorities ruled—though only minorities of men were eligible to vote.
Low voter turnout is an affront to the idea of majority rule that is the essence of self-governance. Motivated minorities can dominate by getting their supporters to the polls while creating obstacles for opponents. It’s easy to skip voting, especially when faced with a long ballot full of unfamiliar names and complicated issues. And showing up to vote without knowledge is irresponsible and, for those with a developed conscience, an act of shame. The good news is that a bevy of remedies are at hand. They include:* Voting by mail, as the states of Oregon and Washington allow.
In America, we must restore the teaching of civics. Very few of my students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have read the American Constitution. Many sit wide-eyed when I bring up provisions they’ve never heard of, like “letters of marque” or that there is noright . Of course, people who lack even an iota of understanding of government may vote, but they certainly cannot fulfill their duties of citizenship.
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