Compulsory Voting and Turnout

Turnout varies greatly between countries and over time. One institutional factor is compulsory voting. Belgium introduced it in 1893, Argentina in 1912 and Australia for federal elections in 1924; about two dozen countries have such laws, though only some enforce them. In Australia, non-voters face a small fine unless they give a valid reason, and turnout is usually around 90%.

Other factors affecting turnout include how competitive elections are, the ease of registration and voting, whether elections are held on weekdays or weekends, and whether citizens believe their vote matters. Supporters of compulsory voting, including political scientist Arend Lijphart, argue it produces more equal participation, so governments respond to everyone, not just the most motivated. Opponents argue that freedom to vote should include freedom not to vote, and that compelled voters may be uninformed.

The debate pits equality of participation against individual liberty.