Now, hear me out. I know the statistics on turnout.
In the 2000 Presidential election 40% of those in the bottom third of the income spectrum did not vote. In the top third, the equivalent figure was only 13%. Turnout from 1964 to 1988 fell by 14% among the poorest fifth of households but rose 5% for the richest. The 50th percentile of voter incomes is equivalent to an income at the 60th percentile of the population. (Off Center, p 113).
I am not trying to squeeze the working class. But there are several positives to this. One would be needed government revenues. Two, the people getting punished are non-voters, who by definition would be less likely to retaliate against politicians for voting for the fee.
Other countries use this as a method to increase turnout, including Australia, Brazil, and Turkey. http://en.wikipedia.org/...
In Australia, it is barely a hassle. According to this article in Slate:
"What happens if you don't show up on Election Day? You'll receive a fairly polite form letter (see example here). At this point, you can settle the matter by paying a $15 fine or offering any number of excuses, including illness (no note from your doctor required), travel, religious objections, or just plain forgetfulness.
For most people, the matter ends here. In most elections, about a half-million registered voters don't come to the polls. Ninety-five percent of them offer a valid excuse, and the matter ends there. Five percent pay a fine."
In addition, you don't necessarily have to make an informed decision, as long as you turn in a ballot. Personally, I would make it more stringent. But even at this level, there is some proof that it works.
"We conclude that when compulsory voting is properly administered in a congenial setting (such as Australia), it is the best means for guaranteeing high and socio-demographically equal rates of voting participation."
The converse could also be done, i.e. a tax break if you have some kind of proof of voting. I am thinking this would be more difficult to pass with budget crises hitting all levels of government.
In conjunction with this (or on its own) we should make registering to vote much easier. Presumably this entire process would need to be done by states for federalism reasons. Anyone who files taxes, receives a W-2, or gets an ID or license would be automatically registered. There would be a way to opt out of this system, but my guess is that most people would not care. And those that do care about their privacy that much are probably well informed and vote.
Considering the voter preferences of non-voters tend to tilt to the Democratic side, this is even a more of a reason this should be done (and also why it probably won't get done).
There are other ways to improve turnout, of course. Making election day a national holiday. A lot of union contracts mandate that their off days match federally declare holidays. State governments typically (but not always) follow suit. I am sure that this is the most politically feasible option. Feel free to add your own.