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RE: I Work the Polls, part 6 -- Wrap-up and Confessional
Only veterans could vote
That would be wrong. Read the book
(though this blog post says that Heinlein later expanded on this to include any civil servant
That would also be wrong. In StarShip Troopers it was ALWAYS that way.
The movie by the same name is just WRONG.
The only thing it got right was the name.
That said...regarding voting.
If it was up to me, not only would voter ID be required but the voter must first pass a test.
to show a basic understanding of the issues.
If the prospective voter doesn't pass...no vote.
at the same time.
If a candidate doesn't receive a minimium number of votes.
he's out....eliminate the office.
at the same time.
if a quorum of eligible voters does not turn out.
the election is invalid
do over.
Wikipedia agrees with you. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terran_Federation_(Starship_Troopers)
'The people of the Terran Federation are either "Citizens" or "Civilians". Everyone is born a "Civilian", and at age 18 every "Civilian" has the right to enroll for a minimal 2-year term of "Federal Service". In theory a completed term of Federal Service ensures a "Citizen" is willing to put the needs of the community before their own personal well-being. This is because Federal Service is tough and dangerous (by design). It can involve joining the military, being a human guinea pig, testing survival equipment, or manual labour. The Federation makes it quite easy to quit a term of service before completion (even during war-time), but once someone has quit they are never allowed to enroll again. This is to ensure that all volunteers are dedicated, whilst also discouraging people from leaving.
The Federation makes the opportunity of Federal Service open to everyone, able-bodied or not. A doctor giving a medical examination says "if you came in here in a wheelchair and blind in both eyes and were silly enough to insist on enrolling, they would find you something silly to match. Counting the fuzz on a caterpillar by touch, maybe." The only impediment that can render one ineligible for federal service is if a psychiatrist determines that one cannot understand the oath of service.'
Fixed.
Yup...Heinlein has been grossly maligned. That bears absolutely NO ressembalance to fascism, of which his book has been accused. By those who have NOT read it, no doubt.
I read that when I was in Jr High (now called middle school) I always thought it was a PERFECT way to do things.