We think requiring each adult to vote is too forceful and you might not get everyone's true opinion.

i think they should not have to vote

The good thing is that everyone has an opinion and their voices are heard. The bad part is that if you don't like either of the candidates you still have to vote. If it's a close election, the random choice might make a difference on who is elected. It's bad news for anyone who doesn't vote.

The right to vote is a privilage established in our constitution. It is a freedom we have and can use as a choice.

We believe that if people have a right to vote they should also have a right not to vote. We like our American system.

Our class thinks that every person should still have the right rather than be forced to vote. We have questions about what happens if people in Brazil choose not to vote?

Our country is about having choices, so it should still just be an opportunity. Also, what if something happens and you cannot go vote?

My class feels voting should be a right. You may not like any of the candidates and shouldn't have to vote for them if you don't want to. What happens to the people in Brazil if they don't vote. How old do they have to be to vote?

What Carson 5th graders think about mandatory voting for adults. . .

Voting should not be required because:
• People who have a favorite candidate could pay people to vote for the one they want.
• People shouldn’t have to vote if they don’t like any of the candidates. They might not agree with their ideas but have to choose one any way.
• People might not know when the election is, and then they will have to suffer the consequences.
• They might believe in one candidate, be judged, and then change their ideas.
• Sometimes people won’t know who the candidates are. People that don’t really care about the candidates shouldn’t vote.
• Some people don’t have time to vote. They are busy.
• What would happen if someone forgets to go, is sick, or is not in a good condition to go out and vote? They should be allowed to stay home.
• People should be free to vote or not in a free country.
• People might not know for whom to vote. People might be confused.
• Somebody might be new to the country and not know who to vote for.
• People might make a mistake in their vote. What if you don’t know anything about the candidates and then one vote might change where you live. Maybe the person you voted for isn’t really willing to do good things.
• Candidates might say things that aren’t true.
• Some people don’t like to vote.
• It is not fair to put people in jail if they don’t vote. Nobody should get in trouble because they don’t vote.
• Nobody should be forced to vote.
• If people are required to vote, they might guess and then not like the person they voted for.
• It is not fair to close down stores so that everyone can go vote. What if people need food?
• Maybe you don’t want a different leader. Maybe you like the leader you have.

It is good to vote, but not to be forced. You deserve to choose! People should vote because maybe the president will make the country more peaceful. However, if you are required to vote, it will be easier to see who wins. It is harder to choose a good leader that people will like if not everybody votes. You could help change the laws.