A University of Kentucky law professor is suggesting mandatory voting may be the change necessary to improve voter turnout.
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.
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
Compulsory Voting System Would Boost Civic Engagement
A well designed compulsory voting system incentivizes political self-education and engagement
On Compulsory Voting: A Roadmap to Political Legitimacy
Australia is one of the few democratic governments legally enforcing the voting of all citizens. The law – active since 1912 – has resulted in Australia having one of the most politically engaged societies in the world.