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.