Legitimacy

[tobyaw]

There are fifty nine Westminster seats contested in Scotland. The Liberal Democrats hold eleven seats with 18.9% of the vote; the Conservatives hold a single seat with 16.7% of the vote. Together the coalition government gained 35.6% of the Scottish vote.

In 2005 Labour formed a government with 35.3% of the vote across the UK.

Comments

[tobyaw]

The democrat in me thinks that everybody should vote. The libertarian in me thinks that nobody should be forced to vote.

Maybe adding benefits for voters would be a good compromise? Perhaps government and council services should only be available to those who bother to turn out at elections. If you want to use a job centre, swimming pool, or library, make sure you turn out to vote! (Actually that might appeal to immigrant-obsessed Labour voters and Daily Mail readers!)

[ggreig]

You'll be suggesting a loyalty card next...

[hobbitomm.livejournal.com]

I think a compulsary vote is fine. You don't have to cast your vote FOR anyone, afterall, either by voting for 'None of the Above', or by spoiling your vote.

Voting is a duty- it's part of the price we pay for the benefits of representation. Hence why I voted in a constituency where really my vote is entirely irrelevant!

[tobyaw]

Compulsory votes in the general election? In the European elections? In the Scottish government election? In local council elections? In community council elections? In NHS Health Board elections?

People could get pretty bored of having to vote in elections in which they have no interest.

[hobbitomm.livejournal.com]

I meant in General Ekections, but actually, I'd throw Devolved and European in with those. Course, as much as possible those should be amalgamated onto the same polling day