Should basic knowledge of the political system be a requirement to vote?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:25:20 -0400

I went to vote in the Indiana primary last night. While in line I got to witness a somewhat heated exchange between and older (50+) woman and the staff. She was upset that she was being forced to choose between Democrats and Republicans. Should we require people to understand the system prior to voting in the primaries?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 9:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:28:26 -0400

I have to wonder if this lady woke up today expecting us to have a new president.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 9:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:33:30 -0400

Sounds like they did make sure she understood before she could vote.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 10:00 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 10:00:49 -0400

It would be nice, but as a requirement, no. It is our constitutional right to vote and nothing should get in the way of that.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 4 at 2016 11:34 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 04 May 2016 11:34:23 -0400

I'd think if people really understand how the system works, they wouldn't vote, they'd revolt. It's a funny thing; people want control but don't want to be bothered by the details. The system is rather odd up here in Idaho. You can only vote primary for your party which is common. Lots of independents, constitutionalists, you name it means a significant population can't participate.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 4 at 2016 11:51 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 04 May 2016 11:51:47 -0400

Yes! It's all about education. I can't speak to your 50ish woman you saw, but everybody has the duty as a citizen to understand the republican democracy under which we live. What we once called "civics" needs to be taught in our schools so kids gain an understanding of the US Constitution and their state and local governments. Each high school student should be required to pass the same citizenship test that those seeking naturalization must take. If you don't pass, you don't graduate HS. I'd really love to have that be a requirement to register to vote, but I just don't see it ever getting past the libs in Congress.

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made May 4 at 2016 12:40 PM

SSG Jeremy Kohlwes — Wed, 04 May 2016 12:40:12 -0400

It should be a basic requirement, along with knowledge of the real meaning behind the Constitutional Amendments, to graduate high school.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made May 4 at 2016 1:56 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:56:46 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member - I have never observed such but read of incidents. I would never argue or 'discuss' anything with an election official at the polling place unless it was a matter of life and death. The volunteers are usually well experienced, knowledgeable, and have a Judge nearby to look up specifics. A good citizen of any age should familiarize themselves with local voting rules soas to not be blindsided.

Response by SPC James Harsh made May 4 at 2016 6:50 PM

SPC James Harsh — Wed, 04 May 2016 18:50:35 -0400

As for the two party system, it's good to have people participate in the primaries and it wouldn't benefit to add restrictions although I agree with voter id of some sort. Showing a license or any id. It's growing pains too. When you're new to voting then people get behind candidates and get upset when they don't get support and continue to even when it's noticeable their choice isn't going to make it using Gov Kasich as an example. I'll disclose I voted for Trump in the nation's first primary this year which was the 100th for them (random fact). Luckily this year I wasn't on the losing end and have been before. I would eventually vote for the Nominee though. There may not be a total unity although many will vote for their parties nominee. The major players should be ashamed for going public with ideas of sitting out when many voters have voted before against their first choice. Maybe people should be more informed by their respective parties to your point. Such as being registered and receiving mail or e-mail and such being more included.

Response by SGT David T. made May 4 at 2016 9:33 PM

SGT David T. — Wed, 04 May 2016 21:33:17 -0400

No. The constitution does not have any language regarding understanding the political system as a condition to vote.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 12 at 2020 5:49 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:49:45 -0400

Only if it also becomes a requirement to run for political office as well...