Compulsory voting or mandatory voting is a system adopted by many countries in the world where citizens are obligated to vote.
Some nations have penalties for not practising the universal franchise, while others have made it a requirement to live there.
As of January 2023, a total of 21 countries have the relevant law: however, only 10 countries enforce it.
Belgium has the oldest compulsory voting system dating back to 1893 for men and 1948 for women. On the other hand, compulsory voting for national elections was introduced in Australia in 1924.
Enforcement of such laws varies significantly among these countries, with consequences for non-participation ranging from severe to non-existent.
Here are the countries that have mandatory voting:
Argentina
Mandatory voting laws were introduced in Argentina as early as 1912. Voting is compulsory in Argentina for all citizens between the ages of 18 and 70, failing which would result in a fine.
Individuals violating the rule are not permitted to hold public office for one year. Reasons such as health complications or distance from polling stations can be cited for exemptions.
Australia
Australia introduced compulsory voting in 1924. The penalty for first-time offenders is AUS$20 and increases to $50 if one has previously paid a penalty or been convicted of this offence.
One may seek to be heard in court, however, the court would be able to impose a maximum penalty of $222 (as well as any court costs), according to the Western Australian Election Commission.
Belgium
In the past, fines ranging from €80 to €200 were imposed for non-voters, but if one failed to vote in four elections, they could lose the right to vote for 10 years.
However, since 2003, offenders are rarely prosecuted as the list of absentees is never sent to the offices of public prosecutors, reports Brussels Times.
Brazil
In Brazil, voting is not a right, rather it is a requirement per their 1932 Constitution.
Voting is an obligation for anyone over the age of 18 and an option for anyone over 70. Those older than 16 but younger than 18 and anyone who cannot read or write may or may not vote.
One can be fined between 3-10% of their minimum salary and can be prohibited from getting a passport or ID, obtaining a public sector job, participating in a government auction, or receiving a government loan.
Ecuador
In Ecuador, voting has been compulsory since 1947 for males and 1968 for both sexes.
It is voluntary for those between 16 and 18 years of age and those over 65.
Non-voters in Ecuador face the removal of civil rights as a consequence of not voting.
Liechtenstein
In Liechtenstein, a person not voting has to provide a legitimate reason for their abstention, and authorities may also impose fines.
Luxembourg
Voting is compulsory for all Luxembourg citizens, except those over 75, those who provide a valid excuse and those who are away from their municipality on election day, as stated on the elections.lu website.
The first unjustified abstention is punishable by a fine ranging from €100 and €250. For repeated offences, the fine goes from €500 to €1,000
However, since 1964 the public prosecutor's office has no longer drawn up lists of absentees, according to RTL Today.
Nauru
Voting has been mandatory in Nauru since the Australian occupation in 1965.
Even after their independence in 1967, for citizens above 20, it is compulsory to vote in the general election. Individuals who fail to vote without sufficient reasoning are required to pay a fine.
Peru
Voting is mandatory in Peru for all except individuals over the age of 75. Authorities may impose fines and enforce infringements of civil rights or disenfranchisement for those who choose not to cast votes on election day.
Samoa
Samoa adopted a compulsory voting system in 2018, which was first implemented in the 2021 general election.
Citizens aged 21 and above have to vote, failing which there are set fines for non-voters.
Singapore
Failure to vote in Singapore will result in the removal of one's name from the electoral roll. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Singapore government exempted those in isolation or quarantine.
