Jim,

I had the same worries as you about a compulsory vote and democracy as, where I live now in Belgium, voting IS compulsory upon pain of a big fine.

After 10 years here, I'm not so sure it isn't a bad idea after all. There are precious few politicians here I care for but at least I can go to the polling station, be registered and vote for none of them at all to show my dissatisfaction! That's more active than plain apathy!

mooman