Perhaps the most obvious way in which political disengagement is measured is through turnout figures. Thanks to its overt nature and ability to generate headlines, low turnout is a problem. One of the solutions to this problem is the fairly self-explanatory idea of compulsory voting.

Given that ballots are cast secretly, compulsory voting is not actually compulsory voting, but compulsory ballot casting, which is a little different. Leaving aside the semantics for now though, the basic idea of compulsory voting is that failure to turn up to a polling station on election day should be made illegal and met with a punishment, which, depending on where one lives, can range from a small fine to the threat of imprisonment (although there are no known cases of incarceration resulting directly from not voting).

Arguments used in support of compulsory voting

• By raising turnout, compulsory voting can make the governing party or coalition appear more legitimate, as its power is very likely to be based on the support of a greater proportion of the population.
• Forcing people to vote has an educative effect, along the lines of 'if you're going to do something, you might as well do it properly'. The idea is that once compelled, people will make more of an effort to cast an informed vote.
• It is everyone's duty to vote, to make sure that a government works effectively. Compulsion ensures that this responsibility isn't shirked.
• Making everyone vote reduces the effect of random factors on the result, like poor transport, poor weather.
• Compulsion leaves parties free to campaign on policies, rather than utilising resources on 'getting out the vote'. This also, to some extent, reduces the role of money in elections. It is also sometimes argued that this leads to a drop in negative campaigning, as there is little to be gained from tactics aimed purely at persuading opposition voters to stay at home.
• High levels of participation in voting may encourage higher levels of participation in other forms of political life.
• Compulsory voting can enhance a sense of community, as everyone is in it together. This can be especially helpful in bringing new people in to community life. It also counteracts the vicious cycle of social exclusion where those that don't vote end up without any policies geared towards them, further discouraging them from getting involved.

Arguments used against compulsory voting

• It is a limit on freedom. The right to vote contains the right not to vote, to be apolitical. Even the safeguard of a chance to abstain infringes on one's right to sit around doing nothing.
• A higher voter turnout cannot be said to heighten the legitimacy of a government when the voters have been forced into giving their support. If the will of the voters is, ceteris paribus, to stay at home, it has a right to be reflected.
• Compulsory voting merely hides the problem, rather than solving it. By hiding the problem, it allows parliament to ignore more important measures that would do something to tackle the root causes of voter disengagement.
• Those that don't like being told what to do will be disproportionately inclined to vote against the people making them go out to vote, i.e. the government. This isn't such a problem, however, as incumbency has enough advantages of its own.
• Compulsory voting encourages 'donkey voting', i.e. simply voting for anyone to get it out of the way. This also biases the vote in favour of the top candidate on the ballot. It is estimated that 'donkey voting' accounts for about 1 per cent of all votes cast in a compulsory system.
• By removing incentives for political parties to mobilise their support, compulsory voting favours established parties over minor parties and independents, whose supporters tend to be more inherently motivated.
• With regards to the United Kingdom, it would be especially tough to implement, as it would be seen as a quick fix that had partisan consequences, and an awful lot of people (estimates suggest over 5 million) would not co-operate.

Real world evidence of compulsory voting

There are many countries around the world that use compulsory voting, either in whole or in part. A list of them can be found by scanning the CIA World Factbook. Some countries, such as Venezuela and the Netherlands, used to have compulsory voting, but have since abolished it.

The exact nature of compulsory voting, where practised, differs around the world. A few examples are briefly investigated below:

Belgium

Compulsory voting has existed in Belgium since 1892. Entering a polling booth is mandatory, but marking a ballot paper is not. After the election, a list of all non-attendees is sent to the office of the public prosecutor.

Prosecutions are carried out where there is an absence of a decent excuse. Explanations such as a medically certified illness, being abroad or an 'act of God' are usually good enough reasons to escape without punishment.

Punishments work on an upward scale. A first offence receives a small fine, which can rise for repeat offenders. Continued non-attendance can result in the offender being barred from the electoral list for 10 years, making them ineligible for a nomination, distinction or promotion by a public authority.

Australia

Voting has been compulsory in Australia since 1924. Like Belgium, once at the polling station, there is no obligation to complete a ballot paper.

Also like Belgium, a good excuse circumnavigates a punishment.

The set fine for non-attendance is $A20 (under £10). About 5 per cent of non-voters pay this straight away, with almost everyone else providing a valid reason for not voting. A few people take their case to court, where, if they lose, the fine rises to $A50 plus costs. Refusal to pay this can result in community service or a couple of days in jail.

Brazil and Ecuador

In Brazil, voting is only compulsory if you're aged between 18 and 70 and literate. Voting for illiterates, 16 and 17 year olds and those over 70 is voluntary.

Similarly, in Ecuador, voting is compulsory except for those over 65 and illiterates, for whom it is optional.

Punishments

Although in Greece, it is technically possible to go to prison for not voting, no one ever has and it is highly unlikely anyone ever will. Global punishments for non-attendance on election day tend to be rather benign.

Indeed, in many countries, compulsory voting law isn't enforced at all; the hope is that the mere existence of the law is enough to spur people into turning out, without having to worry about chasing down the rebels later on. The law exists more to strengthen the idea of civic responsibility than to force people to go and vote. In many places, this works, although not as effectively as where the law is more strictly enforced.

In Austria, for example, voting is compulsory in only two regions and despite both having weak sanctions, turnout is higher than the national average.

The most common punishment for non-compliance is a simple fine. However, there are other ways in which non-voters can lose out.

In Belgium, it is possible to become disenfranchised (this takes at least four elections and 15 years of not voting). In Peru, voters get a stamped voting card to carry around for months after the election to prove that they have voted. This card is required to obtain certain goods and services from some public offices.

A similar scheme is run in Bolivia, with people who can't prove that they voted left unable to claim their salary from the bank for three months after the election.

There are a range of other, less formal, inconveniences for non-voters, like not being able to get a job in Belgium's public sector, trouble getting a new passport or driving licence in Greece. In Italy, non-voters used to be 'named and shamed' in a list posted outside the local town hall, although this rarely happens now.

Compulsory voting and a 'None of the Above' option

Some argue that there should be a box on the ballot paper to register an official abstention, particularly if voting is compulsory. It is argued that this is a reasonable concession to offer the reluctant voter, and a Bill arguing for compulsory voting presented to Parliament in 2001 by Gareth Thomas had this provision. However, by placing such a box on a ballot paper the electoral system would draw attention to the ‘None of the Above’ option and encourage it. The point of compulsory voting is to reverse the burden of effort and expectation from abstaining to voting, and to add an abstention box rather goes against this purpose. It is not unreasonable to expect someone intending to cast an invalid vote to figure it out for themselves.

The Electoral Commission's conclusion

In 2003, the Electoral Commission took a quick look at the issue of compulsory voting. They concluded that:

The Electoral Commission recognises that compulsory voting would not in itself address the underlying causes of low turnout, and in particular the apparent lack of engagement between potential voters and politics. However, the Commission believes there is merit in opening up the question of compulsory voting for wider debate, and that it should be examined in more detail as one of a series of options which might help to contribute to higher rates of participation in elections. The Commission will be conducting research into international use of compulsory voting as a first step.