The chance to win a million bucks? Public embarrassment if you don't make the grade?
What is this, a game show? Reality TV?
Nope, it's Election Season 2006.
Stateline takes a look at enticements in a couple states aimed at boosting voter turnout. Arizona is giving voters the option to win a million-dollar prize (which you may have read about). And a political consultant in Michigan is promising to publicly announce which registered voters slack off this year.
What's the deal? Obviously, voting is important, and -- obviously -- the U.S. has an abysmally low voter turnout rate. But cash prizes and public ridicule seem like a tacky way to try to get out the vote.
If you want to vote, great. And if you don't, fine. But if you're voting just because there's a chance to win some money, or because you don't want to be publicly labeled a slacker, do us all a favor and stay home on November 7.
Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach has written about a range of topics, including social policy issues and urban planning and design. Originally from Tennessee, he joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism
E-mail: zpatton@governing.com 
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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