More than 90% of eligible Australians are expected to vote in the election on 18 May – because it’s one of the few countries to have compulsory voting.
Compulsory Voting articles on Democracy Chronicles
Compulsory voting requires eligible citizens to register for and participate in democratic elections, usually through fines as penalties for not voting. Also see our main section on American democracy and our archives for Voter Access and Voter ID.
US Can Benefit From Australia’s Compulsory Voting System
In Australia in 2016, about 87 percent of voting-age people participated in the nation’s federal election, or 91 percent of enrolled voters.
Kentucky Professor Outlines The Case For Mandatory Voting
A University of Kentucky law professor is suggesting mandatory voting may be the change necessary to improve voter turnout.
Illinois Lawmaker Proposes $25 Tax Credits For Voters
Freshman state Senator Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, introduces’ legislation that would give a $25 state tax credit for anyone who votes in a general election.
Follow Australia and Make Voting Compulsory in Zimbabwe
MDC-T deputy president Nelson Chamisa has called for compulsory voting among Zimbabweans
Make Voting Compulsory to End Voter Suppression
Engaged and informed citizens are a necessary condition for effective democracy
Some Surprising Voting Day Practices From Around the World
Compulsory voting, drinking bans, celebratory gunfire, and shamans are some unusual voting day practices
How a Mandatory Voting Law Would Change the Outcome
Many other countries have some type of mandatory voting law and get much higher turnout as a result
The Case Against Mandatory Voter Registration
Is the integrity of elections at stake when introducing mandatory voter registration and other voter access measures?
Considering Canadian Mandatory Voting Following Best Census Ever
As high participation in the most recent census has shown, Canadian mandatory voting system would be much more representative