Many other countries have some type of mandatory voting law and get much higher turnout as a result
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.
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.
VIDEO: Obama Mandatory Voting Support Goes Viral
Internet abuzz with democracy debate after a very unexpected Obama mandatory voting announcement
How to Get 95 Percent Voter Turnout With One Law
Australia has 95 percent voter turnout and 20 other countries have successful compulsory voting
Canada Mandatory Voting Could End Questions of Turnout
Party floats push for Canada mandatory voting nationwide in response to voter suppression in recent robocall scandal
Making Case for Compulsory Voting in America
Legislating compulsory voting can have a dramatic effect on American voter turnout like Australia
Voting is Mandatory in Countries Worldwide
Across the world, there are many countries where voting is mandatory but Australia is posterchild