During election years we often read about how voting is not just a citizen's right, but a duty. We also see voter turnout figures and appeals for high turnout. This is well intentioned, yet I believe it confuses rights and duties and the analysis of these figures is superficial.

It is a citizen's right to vote, but not his duty. A citizen's duty is to exercise his rights responsibly. That means not voting unless he educates himself about the issues. Voting without being informed is worse than not voting at all, because it leads to the adoption of bad public policy and encourages demagoguery among politicians. This is the path to bread and circuses. A citizen should inform himself on the issues and exercise his right to vote. But a citizen who doesn't research the issues, whatever the reason, should abstain from voting. He has fulfilled his duty by not exercising his right.

This duty cannot be enforced by law in the form of poll tests or other measures because such power creates a honeypot for abuse. When this was done in the past it was more often a politically motivated tool to disenfranchise voters, than a way to ensure that voters were well informed. So this duty must be self enforced, resting in the personal integrity of the citizens.

Voter education goes deeper than selective research to confirm one's preconceived notions. It also means swimming in the other side of the pond, reading well reasoned opposing views that challenge one's beliefs. While this may only occasionally change one's views, it always spurs critical thinking and deepens understanding.

Voter turnout figures alone do not tell us how healthy our political system is. These figures only tell us the popularity, not the sagacity of the measures enacted and people elected. Did millions turn out to vote themselves special favors or other unearned benefits? Or did they turn out to guide public policy and select the most astute candidate for office? The numbers alone do not tell us.