Moral Obligation to Vote

In Ethics a friend and I have been singled out to debate the entire class on whether their is a 'Moral Obligation' to vote, as a resident in the United States. The idea of two students arguing against the opinion of 25 students at first might seem scary, or just unfair, but I believe the odds are actually in my favor. Perhaps it is because I find myself to be the best debater in the class, and partnered with a close, but less argumentative, number two.

Regardless, the topic is one I feel very strongly on because I personally don't see a need to vote in elections unless I feel strongly towards a candidate. My argument for the class will be the following:

The word Moral is defined as the 'right' principals of behavior which are conformed to by the majority. The word Obligation is defined as a duty; an action that must be done. These two words together bring up the phrase "Moral Obligation" that is often thrown about freely in order to make subjects comply. One major misuse of the word is involved in voting. Frank Pavone, the president of Priest for Life, was one of the main coiners of the belief that their is a moral obligation to vote. He claimed that their is a moral obligation to vote, and urged people to go out and vote against pro-abortion laws.

Even in the 'Scripture' of moral voting their is an underlying agenda. Frank Pavone would have you believe that their is only a Moral Obligation to vote when you are voting for a Moral reason. I assure you if you disagree with Pavone, then you are released from having a 'moral obligation' of some sort.

Outside of the Christianity and religious yucks trying to push their influences into the peoples minds their is more proof that their is no 'Moral Obligation' to vote. Approximately only 50% of the United states population cast a presidential ballot in presidential elections. The percentage is even lower in local elections. As the webster dictionary states, something is moral only when it is grossly accepted by the public. If half of the population does not vote then it is not GROSSLY accepted as a moral.

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The debate continues in much more depth but how do you guys like it so far?