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Piasladic

(1,168 posts)
4. by the same author
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 10:16 PM
Jun 11
Opinion: Intentionally opting out of voting is an ethical choice

In the U.S., we love to tout how important our right to vote is — but what about our right not to vote?

Voting is currently mandatory in 23 countries. In some, violators of the law can be fined, lose their right to vote in future elections or even face jail time. Here, people often face intense criticism from friends and family when choosing not to vote. Although that’s not as extreme as jail time, it still shouldn’t be the case.

We are often told that democracy is at its most vibrant when everyone participates, but this narrative overlooks something important: Democracy is also about the right to choose how we participate. This includes the right to abstain from federal elections.

Voting is an important civic duty, but choosing not to vote can be an equally valid and ethical decision — one that should not be met with shame or derision.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/opinion-intentionally-opting-out-of-voting-is-an-ethical-choice/ar-AA1sIPZJ

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