John B. Larson and Miles Rapoport: Universal voting can be a ‘north star’ reform

Our democracy only works if The People vote. As U.S. Representative of Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District and as a former Connecticut Secretary of the State, we recognize voting is both a fundamental right and a civic duty. This responsibility is an integral part of making our nation’s policies work and reflect The People. Universal voting is one way we can make that a reality.

We believe it is time for states and the nation to engage in discussions about bold reforms that include and amplify the voices of all Americans. In last November’s midterm elections, both nationally and in Connecticut, we did not hear from more than half of potential voters; 48% voter turnout is not anything to boast about. It is minority rule.

Recognizing voting as a civic duty and a responsibility of all Americans would be a giant step forward to a fully inclusive democracy. For too long, young people, communities of color, and voters without college degrees have been consistently underrepresented every election. And as states across the country try to limit access to the ballot box, making sure every American votes would tear down these barriers and ensure that state and local governments facilitate accessible voting. We can transform our voting culture to fully encourage responsibility and participation in a democracy, which would only further enhance our efforts to educate, engage and provide greater accessibility.

If, as a candidate or a party, you know that every eligible citizen is required to vote, and therefore everyone is listening, you need to speak to everyone and persuade them on the merits of your candidates and ideas.

The analogy with jury duty is a strong one. In the interest of fair verdicts in our courts, it is a responsibility for our citizens to serve on a jury if they are called. As a society we insist that the jury pool reflects all parts of our community. We think the same logic applies to voting; we should insist that the decisions of the government be made by a fully reflective pool of voters.

Today, 26 countries across the globe have universal voting, including Australia, which has used the system for close to 100 years.

How does it work in Australia? First, the government, political parties, and civil society organizations do tremendous outreach. People are then required to cast a ballot, but don’t have to vote for or against anyone; blank ballots allow voters to register their disapproval if they wish. Elections are held on Saturday, and there is a celebratory civic culture. Australia achieves 90% voter participation in every election. The system is popular, and there has never been a serious attempt at repeal.

Connecticut is not alone in this discussion. In the state of Washington, 14 state senators introduced legislation to move toward universal voting; it recently moved out of committee. At the federal level, I was proud to sponsor the Civic Duty to Vote Act in the last Congress, after the concept was put forward by E.J. Dionne and Miles Rapoport in their book, “100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting.” This legislation would require all eligible voters to vote in federal general elections and provide state and local governments with the funding to facilitate it.

Overall, we both believe universal voting can be a “north star” reform and a powerful way to make our democracy fully inclusive and vibrantly participatory. It is absolutely time to begin this vital discussion of ideas, and we celebrate that Connecticut is one of the places advancing this conversation.

John Larson is a U.S. Representative for Connecticut’s First District. Miles Rapoport is executive director of 100% Democracy: An Initiative for Universal Voting, and the former Secretary of the State.