AUS: Mandatory Voting

[tifosi]

Noticed in the current Australian GE that voting for over 18's is mandatory.

Wonder what would happen if that was the position here (and I'm in favour) for the UK general election.

Who would it favour? Even taking into account a higher spoilt ballot percentage, considering the abysmal <35% turnout that we have had in the last few GE's at least it gives the government a real remit, and not one just for the minority that voted. We'd have a real right to moan then!

 

[wonder_lander]

If they make it mandatory they need to add a "None of the above" option so that people can record their true vote.

 

[monaghan]

It should be compulsory to vote, but (as suggested) an abstain option should be available. I'd like to see an on-line option as Thursdays are not a good day for us as a family, but would hate to think how they'd screw up this process.

 

[AssetDomains]

I'd imagine forced voting may be a bad thing I can see a lot of people at the very least voting for the opposition to get back at the government making them do something they don't want to. At the worst they could make there protest voting for ultra right wing, monster raving loony or other fringe parties.
If you don't care enough to vote so be it.
I do agree the government should be looking at new technologies to bring voting into this century

 

[Bailey]

The Australians really only pretend to care about politics. A 3k mile ocean barrier and a common agenda has pretty much sown things up at home - There's nothing to be changed even by 'enforced' voting - or even a change in Government.

So they have the luxury of being able to indulge "in lots of things" including compulsory voting

 

[monaghan]

I'd imagine forced voting may be a bad thing I can see a lot of people at the very least voting for the opposition to get back at the government making them do something they don't want to. At the worst they could make there protest voting for ultra right wing, monster raving loony or other fringe parties.
If you don't care enough to vote so be it.
I do agree the government should be looking at new technologies to bring voting into this century

I don't think you ought to be forced into voting for anyone, but you should be forced into the process so you can indicate your choice to not note rather than not knowing whether you have a preference or are simply assuming the "usual" party will get in. Wouldn't it be good to see a few Monster Raving Looney party members having a seat