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Suffrage key milestones the work of the suffragits - sufferage issues that remain in the uk

7 important questions on Suffrage key milestones the work of the suffragits - sufferage issues that remain in the uk

Explain the three remaiining franchise and voting issues in the uk

There are three remaining major franchise and voting issues in the uk. These are votes at 16 , compulsory votinh and imrpoving registartion to vote and innovations in methods voting.

Explain the vote at 16 i the uk

Although 16 and 17 year olds in scotland were given the vote after 2014, the issue has not been settled in the uk. It remains a balanced argument. It seems inevitable that 16 - 17 year olds will one day gain the right to vote. However, this may have to wait until a party comes to power it will benefit from younger people to have the vote.

Explain the arguments for voting at the age of 16/17

Voting turnout among the 18 to 24 year old is very low . This may encourage more people to vote and become engaged with politics. The internet and social media now enable young people to be better informed about politics.

Explain the arguments against the voting age of 16/17

Many issues are too complex for the younger people to understand.

it is also argued that by some that the very young tend to be excessively radical as they have not had enough experience to consider issues carefullly.

Explain the concept of compulsory voting

Compulsory voting exists in a dozen of countries . In some countries countries the government does not enforce compulsory voting, though it exists in law. in Australia ,compulsory voting is enforced and significant fine can be levied. the turnout in Australia, not surprisingly is above 90 percent and is clost to 90 percent in Belgium. in italy boting was compulsory in 1998 when turnout was typically close to 90 persent but since voting has been no longer compulsory the turnout dropped to 75 percent in 2013.

Explain the arguments for the uk to introduce compulsory voting

The relatively low turnouts at uk elections , especially at local and regional levels, have led to calls for compulsory voting.

by increasing turnout it will give greater democratic legitamacy to the party or individuals who win an election.

by ensuring that mor sections of society are involved, decision makers will have to ensure that politicies will adress the concerns of all parts of society not just those who typically vote in large numbers.

What are the arguments against voting compulsory voting

It is a civil liberties violation, many argue it is a basic right tonot take part.
it will favour larger parties against small parties. This is because less infomred citizens will vote and they may have heard only of better known parties and candiates.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Democracy and participation

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