Should the right to vote be more restrictive?

I think my answer is going to be unpopular!

There are times when even the principle of democracy needs to be questioned. When interest groups are created, for example, the millions who are on benefits are not going to vote for tough policies to reform the system which is so often abused.

It is often argued that one of the main reasons Labour had an open door immigration policy was to create another vested interest group: immigrants who, unable to exploit the EU freedom of movement, would show their gratitude by voting Labour.

Similarly there are those who would vote against anyone who seriously wants to improve education standards (because it means having to work a little harder) and so on.

Hence as time goes on it becomes more difficult to get a sensible impartial majority. So yes, I would exclude immigrants until they have worked and paid taxes here for a minimum of ten years. Those who refuse to integrate into the British way of life would also be off the list and I would also exclude those who have been continuously living on benefits for 5 years or more; criminals who have been sentenced to more than 5 years in prison would lose the right to vote for 5 years after their release.

I know it seems harsh but the trouble this country is in demands some strict measures or we'll never get back on our feet.

PS I would also make voting compulsory for those who are eligible because it is a serious business, or should be. I would ensure there was a protest box to tick so you could actually say 'none of the above'. Very fair, I think.

Unless they are currently serving a prison sentence, I would allow everybody over the legal age to vote.

Reformed criminals should have a right to a say in how the country is run. Whilst I accept the argument that many of those who are released from prison are anything but reformed, I'm not sure that there's any way that you could legally & justifiably distinguish between the person who made mistakes & is looking to rebuild their lives & the one who sees prison as nothing more than an occupational hazard.

I'd also increase the number of people eligible to vote. If you're old enough to pay tax you should have a say on how much you pay & what those taxes are spent on. If you're old enough to fight for your country, then you should have a say on whether or not we go to war. The voting age should be reduced to 16.

ETA - Paul makes a valid point. A temporary ban on voting might be feasible. That way it's not so much a rejection from society as a chance to work your way back in.

No, why should it, in 2010 40% of the population didn't bother to vote anyway, a lot of fed up Labour voters stayed at home, thats why we ended up with a coalition.. we need more people to vote in the UK not less.

Look , basically when it comes down to it the whole " democracy " thing is really a massive popularity contest , and if anyone ever suggested this they would lose about half their votes - meaning that anyone stupid enough to suggest this would never become important = it doesn't matter

I personally think that the age should be decreased to 16. If you are old enough to work full time and contribute tax, you are old enough to have a say in what happens to your money.

we spent several hundred years slowly reforming the voting system so that everybody does have the right to vote, I don't think gong backwards is a good idea.

Why? What if the criminal offense is for drug possession ?

Is that even a crime? Why would you want to put more restrictions on voting?

To my knowledge it's pretty near perfect as it is.