Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Australia election: Why is there compulsory voting?
Australia is one of the democratic countries that mandate voting. Compulsory voting is a legal obligation, and all eligible and registered Australian voters are required to vote either at a polling booth or by mail. Anyone who hasn’t gets a fine of 20 Australian dollars. Though it is not a significant amount, it certainly makes people vote. In fact, in the 2019 federal election, 92% of the 16.4 million registered voters cast votes. This means that the election results reflect the voices of not only opinionated people but also the general public, which helps avoid more populistic results, such as the UK’s Brexit referendum or the US’s presidential elections (you-know-who). Australia’s compulsory voting has been supported for nearly a century. And the nation is likely to have over 90% turnout in the upcoming general election on May 21. Since many democratic countries are getting more divided in general or presidential elections, higher voter participation seems to be needed more than ever before.
Enjoy watching the video and think if voting should be mandated in your country.
Australia election: Why is there compulsory voting?
Australia is one of the democratic countries that mandate voting. Compulsory voting is a legal obligation, and all eligible and registered Australian voters are required to vote either at a polling booth or by mail. Anyone who hasn’t gets a fine of 20 Australian dollars. Though it is not a significant amount, it certainly makes people vote. In fact, in the 2019 federal election, 92% of the 16.4 million registered voters cast votes. This means that the election results reflect the voices of not only opinionated people but also the general public, which helps avoid more populistic results, such as the UK’s Brexit referendum or the US’s presidential elections (you-know-who). Australia’s compulsory voting has been supported for nearly a century. And the nation is likely to have over 90% turnout in the upcoming general election on May 21. Since many democratic countries are getting more divided in general or presidential elections, higher voter participation seems to be needed more than ever before.
Enjoy watching the video and think if voting should be mandated in your country.
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