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Full Idea
The citizen's vote is not a thing in which he has an option; it has no more to do with his personal wishes than the verdict of a juryman. ...he is bound to give it according to his best and most conscientious opinion of the public good.
Gist of Idea
Voting is a strict duty, like jury service, and must only be aimed at the public good
Source
John Stuart Mill (Representative Government [1861], p.299), quoted by Jonathan Wolff - An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) 3 'Representative'
Book Ref
Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.97
A Reaction
Mill was also concerned that voters might pursue 'class interest' (which they currently do, big time).
| 20508 | How people vote should be on public record, so they can be held accountable [Mill, by Wolff,J] |
| 20504 | People can only participate in decisions in small communities, so representatives are needed [Mill] |
| 20505 | Direct democracy is inexperience judging experience, and ignorance judging knowledge [Mill] |
| 20507 | Voting is a strict duty, like jury service, and must only be aimed at the public good [Mill] |