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Revision as of 21:48, 21 September 2004
Compulsory voting is a practice in place in some countries that forces citizens to vote in elections. People are obliged to attend the polling place. (In countries with a secret ballot, it is impossible to tell whether a specific person has actually cast a valid vote or not.) If a person does not vote they can be fined or imprisoned.
Arguments in favour of compulsory voting
There are a number of explanations for why countries decide to make voting mandatory.
The most important is that compulsory voting ensures that government does indeed represent the will of the whole population, not merely the section of the population that decides to express their opinions. This ensures fairness, as well as making sure governments cannot neglect sections of society that are less politically active (in many countries, ethnic minorities and the poor are less likely to vote).
It is also argued that voting is a "civic duty" in the same way that paying taxes is - it is important for the continued functioning of the nation. People have to pay taxes for the good of society, and people should have to vote for the same reason.
The turnout reduces the cost of campaigning, and therefore reduces the influence of those who donate money to political parties.
Declining voter turnout in much of the western world has led to increasing interest in compulsory voting to overcome the apathy of the electorate, especially among the youth.
Arguments against compulsory voting
Most countries do not have compulsory voting laws, and there are many who object to them.
The idea of people being forced to vote even if they are not interested in politics, and have no real preference for (or knowledge about) any of the candidates troubles many. Those forced to vote might select randomly, or worse, be swayed by easily accessible yet superficial traits of their options, such as the candidates' names. However, the inclusion of a "none of the above" option could go some way toward alleviating these problems.
Some, especially libertarians, argue compulsory voting is a violation of personal liberties - people should be free to decide for themselves.
In any compulsory voting system considerable resources are spent ensuring that everyone does indeed vote.
Countries with compulsory voting
Countries that have some form of compulsory voting include:
- Argentina
- Australia (see the Australian electoral system)
- Belgium (see the Belgian electoral system)
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Fiji
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Lebanon (compulsory for men only)
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Panama
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Some parts of Switzerland
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Countries that have ended compulsory voting include Austria and the Netherlands.
In a number of countries with compulsory voting laws, such as Argentina, these rules are not well enforced and many who do not vote are not penalized.
Compulsory voting in non-democracies
Compulsory voting is common in states that try to create the illusion of democracy while not actually being representative. Nations like Saddam Hussein's Iraq or the communist regimes of Eastern Europe would hold elections and plebiscites and mandate voting by the populace. These states would normally advertise near 100% turnout in these elections.
External link
Administration and Cost of Elections Project paper on compulsory voting considerations
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