If today's voter turnout follows the usual Utah County trend, half of you won't do your civic duty. In the 2004 midterm election, only 49.32 percent of those who registered to vote actually went to the polls. Mind you, that's the percentage of eligible voters who actually registered. If we were to factor in the entire adult population, the percentage would drop even more.

For those who don't vote, we've tried appealing to your sense of duty, reminding you that as an American citizen you are the ultimate source of governmental power and that should take an active role in delegating it to elected officials.

We've pointed out that low-voter turnout means a vocal minority calls the shots and the people they select may not have the public's best interest at heart.

We've even tried shaming you by pointing out that fledgling democracies have better turnout, even when there is a risk of being killed by those trying to stop the election.

Is it time to try compulsionfi Should participation in an election be required by lawfi

It's not a new idea. Several countries already do it. Australia has required eligible voters to participate or pay a fine between $15 and $30 since 1924. That law has resulted in 95 percent averages in voter turnout. Switzerland, Austria, Argentina and Peru also fine those who voluntarily stay home on election day.

The government could impose a fine on those who choose not to vote, but the amount would have to be significantly more than a paltry $15. If people knew they had to pay a couple hundred dollars for not voting, they may think twice.

Or how about using the tax system to get voters to votefi Unlike poll taxes, which were used in the South to keep poor blacks from voting, a tax credit could be given to people who do. They could pick up a receipt when they cast their ballot and apply it toward their income tax bill.

Then there's the strategy employed by Selective Service to compel draft registration. Those who don't vote would be deemed ineligible for various government programs, such as student loans, business grants and the like. If that threat can get 18-year-old men to register for a draft that doesn't exist, it may get reluctant voters off their duffs.

The government could also enlist credit agencies in the effort by asking them to factor active voter registration into the calculation of credit scores. One could argue that voting means that someone takes an interest in the community, which bodes well for stability and should count toward a lower credit score. Knocking a point off a loan may be all the incentive some people need to vote.

We hope Utah County voters show us today that mandatory voting laws are not needed. Today is your chance.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A5.

Do you agree?