Why do I have to register to vote? I already have a driver's license and I file my taxes every year. I also had to register with the military when I turned 18. The government has all the information it needs to verify that I'm a qualified voter.
So why the extra step? I understand the explanation is probably historical. Voting has, in the history of this country, always been something that was limited to a subset of the population. The subset used to be very, very small. As the requirements changed the mindset remained one of "start with a small group and add only those we have to add" instead of one of "include everyone then we can filter out only those that we deem aren't eligible". Its the difference between an inclusive approach and an exclusive approach.
Imagine a day when every citizen receives a letter 6 months before their 18th birthday informing them about their responsibility to vote and where they should go on the next election day. No extra step to register. You just are ready to vote as soon as you turn 18.
"You just are, Blanche"
// posted by ralph at
01:06 PM
