The following is the full question asked of groups across the political spectrum as part of the monthly topic of Elections & Voting at Everything Questioned:
A statement that is repeated often especially during a campaign season is that "people died so you can vote." The line carries with it a couple implications. One is that U.S. soldiers have fought and died to protect freedoms enjoyed under a democratic system. It's obvious that many have sacrificed to preserve democratic ideals, but the line's second implication is not so cut and dry -- it's that voting is somehow an ultimate form of participation in democracy and that citizens have some kind of obligation to do so. Should people feel like they have to vote? If yes, why is it so important, when an individual vote has a marginal impact on the outcome of elections, and even less effect on shaping government? If no, why not, and when is a person justified in not voting?
Read a few takes and sound off through Facebook comments on the blog's main page, comment below, or send a 300-word response of your own to Austin Baird if you can do better.
