To the editor:

Trump’s promise of a $5,000 check for every adult if the Republicans win the midterms would be impossible without a heavy tax on billionaires (highly unlikely) and comes without any requirements from the recipients to perform the duties of citizenship. Voting is a duty of citizens which is often ignored, resulting in elections which may not reflect the will of the true majority.

In some nations, such as Argentina and Australia, voting is compulsory. In Australia, failure to vote carries a fine amounting to $300 or more.

In this land of the free, with government by the people, nonvoters should not collect checks for nonparticipation in the rituals of government.

Wilfrid J. Bisson,

Lawrence