Should we have an IQ test for right to vote?

gmart74 · October 16th, 2008, 01:49 PM

	Quote:
	An enlightened citizenry is indispensable for the proper functioning of a republic. Self-government is not possible unless the citizens are educated sufficiently to enable them to exercise oversight. It is therefore imperative that the nation see to it that a suitable education be provided for all its citizens.

Jefferson... I think.

With all the videos showing completely ignorant idiots saying they will vote for one candidate or the other with no logical basis for making that decision and often completely factually inaccurate reasons, why in the hell can't we institute a test for the right to vote? I think we need some basic test everyone must take to have the right to vote. We don't let the dumbest people even make our local policy yet we freely encourage the dumbest people to vote for the leader of the U.S. Why do we behave in this fashion?

Bamabuzzard · October 16th, 2008, 02:05 PM

I think there are some folks that don't need the right to reproduce. I'm sure I'd be on some people's list.

SavannahDare · October 16th, 2008, 02:23 PM

YES!! Right after they implement the IQ test and certification requirements for child rearing.

GreatDanish · October 16th, 2008, 02:28 PM

	Quote:	gmart74
	Jefferson... I think. With all the videos showing completely ignorant idiots saying they will vote for one candidate or the other with no logical basis for making that decision and often completely factually inaccurate reasons, why in the hell can't we institute a test for the right to vote? I think we need some basic test everyone must take to have the right to vote. We don't let the dumbest people even make our local policy yet we freely encourage the dumbest people to vote for the leader of the U.S. Why do we behave in this fashion?

We have had people who wouldn't have qualified to vote but ran for president. I won't mention any names.

Tidewater · October 16th, 2008, 02:52 PM

	Quote:	gmart74
	Jefferson... I think. With all the videos showing completely ignorant idiots saying they will vote for one candidate or the other with no logical basis for making that decision and often completely factually inaccurate reasons, why in the hell can't we institute a test for the right to vote? I think we need some basic test everyone must take to have the right to vote. We don't let the dumbest people even make our local policy yet we freely encourage the dumbest people to vote for the leader of the U.S. Why do we behave in this fashion?

A University of Virginia employee commenting on Jefferson, actually.

To answer your question, yes, any screening of voters based on intelligence or level of information of the issues would be a step in the right direction. Eliminating the stupid or the uninformed would cause the Democrat party to squeal like a stuck pig.
Heck, Democrats get their knickers in a twist when people try to restrict non-citizens from voting.

Crimson Cat · October 16th, 2008, 03:49 PM

Lol, you might be on to something there...I'm pretty sure it would eliminate whole counties near where I live from participating.

Pluck and Grit · October 16th, 2008, 04:59 PM

Probably not, but I do believe that a solid 70% of the electorate isn't qualified to have a say in choosing the president. The way I see it, they end up with the government they deserve, but I don't get the one I deserve.

92tide · October 16th, 2008, 05:10 PM

nope.

and just curious, who would be responsible for setting the IQ level and how would they arrive at that conclusion.

BAMAFAN IN NY · October 16th, 2008, 05:14 PM

As soon as they implement IQ testing for message board posters!

DiamondDust · October 16th, 2008, 05:15 PM

	Quote:	92tide
	nope. and just curious, who would be responsible for setting the IQ level and how would they arrive at that conclusion.

Agreed. This country doesn't have a stellar history when it comes to "testing" people so they can vote.

bamahuey1 · October 16th, 2008, 06:31 PM

	Quote:	92tide
	nope. and just curious, who would be responsible for setting the IQ level and how would they arrive at that conclusion.

ACORN!!!

...and Mickey Mouse would be their baseline!!!

It's On A Slab · October 16th, 2008, 06:41 PM

Obviously, the last 8 years are a good argument for it.

Tidewater · October 16th, 2008, 07:01 PM

	Quote:	It's On A Slab
	Obviously, the last 8 years are a good argument for it.

I would wager that any kind of intelligence/education standard would hurt Democrats more than Republicans.
Eliminating the bottom 10-20% of voters would have probably made 2000 (and probably any other election) a landslide for the GOP.