We have mandatory voting in Australia. It’s “enforced” by a AU$20 fine. Not really a true punishment, more like a nudge. It’s more of a societal understanding here, you turn up to a polling place as a civil duty. You can donkey vote if you want, you can draw a cock on the ballot form and invalidate it, doesn’t matter. As long as you got your name crossed off, and most importantly had the opportunity to vote, then you’re clear.
I wouldn’t have it any other way, it means that there can’t be changes to dissuade people from voting, and politicians don’t resort to wildly populist policies to try and encourage people to come out to vote.
Also helps that federal elections always occur on a Saturday, and employers are required to give time off in order to vote.
We have mandatory voting in Australia. It’s “enforced” by a AU$20 fine. Not really a true punishment, more like a nudge. It’s more of a societal understanding here, you turn up to a polling place as a civil duty. You can donkey vote if you want, you can draw a cock on the ballot form and invalidate it, doesn’t matter. As long as you got your name crossed off, and most importantly had the opportunity to vote, then you’re clear. I wouldn’t have it any other way, it means that there can’t be changes to dissuade people from voting, and politicians don’t resort to wildly populist policies to try and encourage people to come out to vote. Also helps that federal elections always occur on a Saturday, and employers are required to give time off in order to vote.