[MPJackal]

"Voter turn out in America is pathetic. I like the idea of making voting compulsory here."

If a citizen does not like the candidates, he can express that dissatisfaction by not voting. It is a little thing called FREEDOM. And if a citizen is so disinterested that he does not know the candidates or issues, why would you want him to vote? His vote would dilute those of that are involved.

[NJ_gent]

"he can express that dissatisfaction by not voting."

While I completely agree with what you've said, I'd just like to note that the other option in this situation is to write-in the name of the person you do believe would do a good job, even if they're not seeking the office in question. I wrote in David A. Keene for President this past election because I was completely dissatisfied with all major and minor candidates available. I still believe that not voting is the haven of the lazy and the apathetic.