Essay Database

Compulsory voting was introduced in Australia in 1924 after the voter turnout of those registered to vote in Australia was as low as 47%. Since voting was made compulsory by the Federal Government, voter turnout has remained around 94-96%. Over twenty countries have some form of compulsory voting which requires citizens to register to vote and to go to their polling place or vote on election day. "Nearly seven-in-ten Australian electors (67%) believe voting in Australia should be …

…Coalition. Ignorant citizens, or those with a lack of interest in politics are forced to vote. It may increase the number of donkey votes and informal votes. People feel that if they don't like the candidates standing for election, they should not be obliged to vote for any of them, as a simple expression of political freedom. It increases the number of safe, single-member electorates - political parties then concentrate on the more marginal electorates