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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 5:30 am
Maybe a combination of money AND passing a test. You arrive at the polling location and place money on deposit with the election officials (the amount would be determined on a sliding scale). You proceed to the voting booth where a computer has just generated a three-question civics test for you to answer - nothing terribly difficult, say about high-school level. Get three out of three right, and the booth unlocks so you can cast your ballot and get your deposit back. Get just one wrong and a klaxon sounds, accompanied by a spinning red light. Not only do you forfeit your deposit, but you get to slink shamefaced past your fellow citizens, having just demonstrated - publicly, no less - that you are too stupid or too ignorant to deserve a voice in governing the State.
The preceding was shamelessly cribbed from one of Heinlein's essays in Expanded Universe.
Boru
‘But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods or no gods. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.’ - Thomas Jefferson
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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 5:35 am
Lol.
Currently most places have three or four requirements. In the past it was more exclusive.
Given how easily people are manipulated in the technological media age, and given how complex the modern world of politics and economics is, maybe we should restrict the vote a little more as a way to combat cyberinfluence from foreign powers or oligarchs etc. This might be especially relevant if referenda become more common with a move to direct voting.
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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 5:47 am
You could, just "elect" and me as High Grand Supreme Chancellor of the planet, I'd then sort it all out.
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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 6:17 am
I have a great plan, the best plan. It would be so easy.
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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 6:26 am
(November 7, 2023 at 5:50 am)FrustratedFool Wrote: (November 7, 2023 at 5:47 am)no one Wrote: You could, just "elect" and me as High Grand Supreme Chancellor of the planet, I'd then sort it all out.
What would be your primary political goal(s)?
Mine would be to secure the rights to all natural resources on the planet, placing them in American hands.
"Imagination, life is your creation"
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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 6:31 am
(This post was last modified: November 7, 2023 at 6:32 am by FrustratedFool.)
Well, I don't think I'd vote for you two.
The question is whether I, or you, should be able to vote at all.
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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 6:37 am
(November 7, 2023 at 6:31 am)FrustratedFool Wrote: Well, I don't think I'd vote for you two.
The question is whether I, or you, should be able to vote at all.
Nah, we shouldn't.
"Imagination, life is your creation"
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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 6:44 am
Voting boils down to two wolves and a lamb voting on what’s for dinner.
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RE: Earning the Vote
November 7, 2023 at 6:49 am
Maybe.
Or maybe it's a really good political and social development and we're better off for it.
