Washington state Democrats push proposal for mandatory voting

MAHMOUD BENNETT:

WE ALL KNOW VOTING IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT IN THE US – BUT WHAT IF IT WERE TO BECOME A FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENT

WELL, DEMOCRATS IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON HAVE INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO MAKE VOTING MANDATORY IN THE STATE

ESTABLISHING UNIVERSAL CIVIC DUTY VOTING IS WHAT THEY CALL IT AND THE BILL AIMS TO MAKE VOTING A MUST FOR ALL ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS IN THE STATE, REQUIRING THEM TO EITHER REGISTER TO VOTE OR OBTAIN A WAIVER

EACH VOTER WOULD THEN NEED TO RETURN A BALLOT AT EACH PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION – THOUGH THEY WOULD HAVE THE OPTION TO LEAVE IT BLANK, ACCORDING TO THE SENATE REPORT

ADVOCATES OF THE BILL ARGUE THAT, JUST LIKE REGISTERING FOR SELECTIVE SERVICE AND PAYING TAXES, CASTING A BALLOT SHOULD BE A REQUIREMENT. 

WHILE THERE WOULD BE *NO ACTUAL PENALTY* FOR FAILING TO CAST A BALLOT – SOME REPUBLICANS COUNTER THAT VOTING SHOULD BE A PROUD ACT THAT AMERICANS CHOOSE TO DO, NOT A REQUIREMENT.

AS OF RIGHT NOW – NO ONE IN THE UNITED STATES IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO VOTE IN ANY LOCAL, STATE, OR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS – BUT IF THIS BILL IS PASSED BY WASHINGTON STATE’S DEMOCRAT CONTROLLED HOUSE AND SENATE THE LAW WOULD TAKE EFFECT IN THE YEAR 2026

THAT’S YOUR QUICK BREAKDOWN WITH US HERE AT STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS – UNBIASED STRAIGHT FACTS