Should people be required to pass some kind of a test before they were allowed to vote?
914349
Absolutely NOT. \n\nThis would be contrary to everything democracy stands for.\n\nEvery person of voting age should have an equal right to vote - anything else is not democracy and leads to the type of elite-ism satirised in George Orwell's animal farm - all people will be equal but some people will be more equal than others.\n\nWhat is more, I refuse to limit my answer on such an important issue to 25 words and there is not a damned thing you can do about it. \n\nI will use my right of free speech and my right to vote no matter how much you might disagree with my ability to choose wisely. \n\nToo many people don't have this luxury and too many people died ensuring I do have it. I will treasure and defend my right and the right of others to speak and vote freely.
1039227
I would vote for a law that would prevent misinformed and stupid people from having their vote count.  (weighted according to knowledge level at the very least)
742189
I believe that some one who is dumb should be able to vote. it is a free country, ya know. As long as theyre 18. of course, im in 6th grade so what do i know?
819397
Why? because they want to affect the way people vote. Are they qualified? No, but when has that ever stopped anyone. What qualifies actors to tell us how to vote? Many of them never even finished HS.
893469
I've often thought that everyone should have to pass the same test as an immigrant who is being naturalized before they get the full rights of citizenship.  What we get free we don't value, and far to many people in the U.S. value neither their citizenship nor their freedoms.  I sometimes feel they don't even value their country.  I wouldn't require government service or anything like that for citizenship, that smacks too much of a police state, and it should be something that can't simply be paid for but which will require both work and study.  It would be possible for a person to live in this country without passing the test if they so chose, like a legal alien, they just couldn't vote, hold public office, receive a passport, serve as an Officer of a Court, serve as an Officer in the Armed Forces, or be eligible for government benefits and assistance.  They would still pay their taxes like any other legal alien.  When U.S. Citizenship is a privilege to be earned, and not a free prize, people might start taking their responsibilities more seriously.
215271
Maybe not education per se; rather, how about a simple multiple-choice test on the pertinent issues?  If people could prove that they understand what is at stake in an election, perhaps they would vote more intelligently.
236316
It's more. You have a _responsibility_ to vote. Voting is the orgasm of democracy. Unfortunately, most citizens can't get it up.
814200
There is one thing for  sure. There should always be a paper vote. There is no way to verify results without one.  Do not use a ballot with chads, just a plain piece of paper. with a hole punched in it. That eliminates the BS we all suffered during the 2000 election. Next, the ballots should be counted right there,  With representatives from both parties present. Not allowed by law to be moved. And finally, All voters must present a voter I.D. That would resolve most voter fraud.
1180191
No. This is not true. In order to vote in the USA, you must be a registered voter and show proof at the polls.
604735
Are you aware of the Jim Crow laws? They made intelligence tests required. Remember, this legally keeps people from voting. I think almost everyone has an opinion. We should all be allowed to vote, even if we don't like who the people choose. I think if you don't vote everyone should know, and you should be banned from complaining. If you don't care enough about your nation to vote for the leader, what gives you the right to complain about it? This, of course, could not apply to those under eighteen or who were not of legal voting age when the last election occured. I think voter education would be much more productive. Politicians need to tell everyone exactly where they stand on topics, there need to be sheets comparing each persons stand on hot issues distributed to the masses. This can be difficult to do, but if all parties joined to make it happen, we would have smarter voters. People would, in theory, vote for politicians they side with. Then you would know whomever is in office is the favorite.
249452
It would be better if you wrote one for them. Most tests are for 8th grade and above. Ask questions like: When was it signed, and by whom? Why is it important to you? What are the amendments in the Bill of Rights? Ask simple questions that require a bit of thought, but not much depth.
572501
To be honest, I'm not sure most adults should be allowed to vote considering the complete lack of reason with which they approach the notion... but as long as we're going to allow people over the age of eighteen to vote without having to qualify just what good reason they have for doing things like voting on social policies that are disastrously stupid or candidates who are dangerously unqualified, I don't see any reason why teens shouldn't get to vote.\n\nAfter all, the informal teen votes we take now seem to reflect at least as much maturity and consideration as the adult vote does. I believe with the exception of the Bush Presidency, the Nickelodeon Kid's Vote has accurately called the results of every presidential election since it began (though I must admit, I do find it telling that while they have consistently proven they are up to snuff with the adult population when considering a candidate for the presidency, even kids thought re-electing George W. Bush was a bad idea).
960466
Hahahahahahaha\n\nSeriously, I'm not sure - the right to vote maybe?
1150868
Public Education should be a right not a privilege. In my opinion, public education should be a right. We need public education. When it comes to voting, the government can make more educated decisions concerning the will of the American Public. Public education is needed for all kids. Kids need to stay away from bad things. They need to learn something so that they can have a future. I believe that everyone has the right to public education. Everyone needs to be able to get into college or to get a job. People need to learn how to read. Reading is important for when people have to read directions or fill out an application. They also need basic math so they can keep track of their money. Public education should not be a privilege. because not everyone would benefit. Some kids have learning disabilities and behavioral problems. These kids would not be able to get into school. Instead they would be causing trouble on the streets. They would be stealing money because they can't work. Without an education there may not be enough people to work. Companies would go out of business without people to work for them. The economy would be wrecked. People would be living in shelters or out on the streets. Only the rich would survive. \nIn conclusion, I believe that public education should be a right not a privilege. Everyone needs to have an education. It would hurt the country if people didn't work. It would hurt our country if citizens could not read. Everyone needs public education.
701726
Suggest that there should be a test for competency.
976103
Not in my state, we had a few elections like that. Ones where there were a few hot issues, a lot of people came in and voted on those issues leaving the others blank. The problem was there were other issues that needed 60% or more of total votes to pass, with all the blanks they didn't pass. They had enough if you only counted the yes/no votes on that issue, but the law stated you needed 60% or more of total votes. The ended up bring the issues back the next elections. Anyway here in ND we count them.\n\nRemember if you don't vote, you can't complain. And if you don't vote you just voted against EVERYTHING you stand for.
864586
You may a good point. Additionally, due to "possible" errors with the voting machines, it is be recommended by both parties to take a camera with you to the polling place. Make very sure that when you make your vote, that it registers the way you voted and take a photo for your own records.\nMost importantly, don't forget to vote.