Elections: compulsory voting.
The introduction of AB 2070 represents a significant shift in California's voting policy. By instituting compulsory voting, the bill aims to enhance voter turnout and encourage broader participation in the democratic process. This move could lead to higher engagement in elections, address voter apathy, and ensure that all voices within the electorate are heard. However, this change might also raise concerns about enforcement, as the implications of holding individuals accountable for not voting could present legal and logistical challenges.
Assembly Bill No. 2070, introduced by Assembly Member Levine, seeks to amend the Elections Code in California by introducing a compulsory voting system. Under existing law, all registered voters have the option to vote at elections. However, AB 2070 mandates that all qualified and registered voters must cast a ballot during every election in which they are eligible to participate. The bill defines a ballot to include both marked and unmarked votes and establishes a requirement for the Secretary of State to ensure compliance with this provision.
The potential for contention arises from the trade-off between encouraging civic engagement through mandatory voting and the implications it may have for individual freedoms. Critics may argue that forcing citizens to vote infringes on personal choice and could be problematic, especially for individuals with valid reasons for abstaining from voting. Additionally, the required involvement of the Secretary of State in enforcing this mandate may spark conversations around the practicality and feasibility of implementing such a system statewide, signaling a need for further discussion on the actual execution of compulsory voting.