Leslie Massey
Australia has one of the highest voter turnouts in the world, with a 90% voter turnout in the 2022 federal election. Voting in Australia is compulsory, and citizens who do not vote are fined $20. Compulsory voting is generally popular in Australia, with surveys showing public support consistently hovering around 70%. It is argued that compulsory voting results in more centrist politics, better representation of marginalised groups, and more egalitarian public policy. However, it has been noted that compulsory voting may result in pork-barrelling, where government funds are used for projects to curry favour with voters. Australia has seen a decline in voter turnout since 2007, with the 2022 federal election recording the lowest turnout in 100 years, with particularly low participation in remote communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voter turnout in the 2022 federal election | 89.82% |
| Voter turnout in the 2016 federal election | 90%+ |
| Voter turnout in the 2013 federal election | 94% |
| Voter turnout in the 2010 federal election | 95% |
| Voter turnout in the 2007 federal election | 95% |
| Voter turnout in the 1925 federal election | 91% |
| Voter turnout in the 1922 federal election | 60% |
| Voter turnout in the 2024 UK general election | 60% |
| Voter turnout in the 2012 US presidential election | 57% |
| Average voter turnout across OECD countries | 69% |
| Average voter turnout in countries with voluntary voting | 65% |
| Average voter turnout in countries with compulsory voting | 94% |
| Fine for not voting | A$20 |
| Equivalent fine for not voting in 2022 | A$78 |
| Percentage of Australians in support of compulsory voting | 70% |
| Percentage of eligible voters who are not enrolled and are between 18 and 24 years old | 33% |
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What You'll Learn
Compulsory voting
Australia has one of the highest voter turnouts in the world, with a reported 94% voter turnout in the last federal election. This is due to the country's compulsory voting laws, which were introduced in 1924 when the Electoral Act was amended. The effect of this amendment was immediate and stark: voter turnout surged from less than 60% in the 1922 election to more than 91% in 1925.
However, compulsory voting is not without its critics. Some argue that it stifles political freedom and goes against the basic principles of democracy by forcing people to vote. Others claim that high voter turnout based on compulsory voting does not translate into a politically engaged electorate, and that a voluntary system would encourage Australians to be more involved.
In Australia, registering to vote and going to the polls are legal duties for citizens aged 18 and over. Failing to do so can result in a fine of A$20 (about $18, £12) and potentially a day in court. This penalty has been in place since 1984 and, while small, is enough to drive voters to the polls in substantially greater numbers than in countries with voluntary voting.
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Higher representation
Australia has one of the highest voter turnouts in the world, which is largely attributed to the country's compulsory voting laws. Since the introduction of compulsory voting in 1924, Australia has consistently achieved high voter participation rates, with a significant increase from less than 60% in 1922 to over 90% in subsequent years.
Compulsory voting in Australia is justified by the belief that it grants legitimacy to the election winner. According to the Australian Election Commission, "a parliament elected by a compulsory vote more accurately reflects the will of the electorate." Compulsory voting encourages policies that collectively address a diverse range of elector values, promoting a more inclusive and representative democracy. This system helps ensure that marginalised and less affluent groups, who are less likely to vote when it is optional, are better represented. It discourages political parties from focusing on extreme issues or catering only to specific voter bases, thus pulling politics towards the centre.
While there is strong support for compulsory voting in Australia, with surveys showing approval ratings of around 70%, there are also critics who argue that it stifles political freedom. Some opponents, like Libertarian columnist Jason Kent, claim that compulsory voting does not translate into a politically engaged electorate and that a voluntary system would foster greater political involvement. They suggest that without the mandate, politicians would need to provide compelling reasons for citizens to vote, potentially leading to more democratic participation.
Despite these differing viewpoints, Australia's compulsory voting system has played a significant role in achieving higher representation and encouraging civic participation. The combination of compulsory voting and full preferential voting forms the backbone of Australia's electoral process, contributing to its high voter turnout rates.
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Fines for not voting
Australia has one of the highest voter turnouts globally, and this is in large part due to its compulsory voting laws. Since 1924, voting has been compulsory for all Australian citizens over 18, and failure to vote incurs a fine. The fine for not voting is currently set at A$20, which has not changed since 1984. While this amount served as a sufficient deterrent in the past, its value has diminished as wages have risen—if the fine had risen with wages, it would be $78 today.
Compulsory voting is supported by many Australians, who believe it grants legitimacy to the election winner and encourages policies that address the full spectrum of elector values. By requiring citizens to enrol and vote, Australia achieves a higher level of democratic representation than countries where voting is optional. In these cases, lower voter turnouts often result in governments that are less representative of those with lower education and income, and more influenced by elite power.
However, compulsory voting is not without its critics. Some argue that it infringes on individual freedom and risks "pork barrelling", where government funds are used for projects solely intended to curry favour with voters. Additionally, while the fine for not voting is meant to encourage participation, it has not prevented voter turnout from declining in recent years. The 2022 federal election saw a record low turnout, with ballots cast by around 90% of eligible voters, down from the historical average of 95%.
While the fine for not voting is meant to incentivise participation, Australian authorities have also implemented other policies to reduce barriers to voting. Citizens who are unable to vote due to illness or other valid reasons can request to be excused from voting and may be required to pay a smaller penalty, such as the $50 maximum penalty imposed by the court for this offence, or the $99 victims of crime levy included in the expiation notice. Additionally, each state and territory offers early voting for those who may have travel plans or other commitments on election day.
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Remote communities
Australia has a high voter turnout rate, which has averaged 95% over the last 100 years. This is partly due to compulsory voting, which has been in place since the 1925 federal election. In 2023, Australia's Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers, announced that the AEC would be delivering voting services to approximately 35% more remote communities than in previous elections.
Remote Indigenous communities in Australia have consistently had lower voter participation rates than the national average since First Nations people were granted the right to vote in 1962. The rate of voter participation in these communities has been in decline in recent years, with the lowest rates in the Northern Territory. This is partly due to the 1996 abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Election Education and Information Service, which was established in 1979 to increase voter registration among First Nations people.
There are several barriers to voting in remote Indigenous communities. One is the distance and timing of elections, which can make it difficult for people in remote areas to access polling stations. For example, during the 2019 election, a polling station in Ulpanyali in Watarrka National Park was only open for one hour, and many community members were not able to vote because they were away leading holidaymakers on a tour. Another barrier is the lack of awareness of the election. In remote communities, it can be easy to miss the fact that an election is taking place, as there is less fanfare and advertising than in urban centres.
To address these barriers, the AEC has implemented several measures to increase participation in remote communities. These include increasing the number of mobile polling booths and the amount of time spent in each community, as well as providing more information and education about the voting process. The AEC has also partnered with local Indigenous organisations and hired local assistants to help communicate with and educate community members about the voting process.
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Early voting
Australia has one of the highest voter turnouts in the world, with a long history of compulsory voting. In 1924, the Electoral Act was amended to make voting compulsory for federal elections, and since then, Australia has consistently seen high voter turnouts, with rates typically hovering around 95%.
However, in recent years, the country has seen a decline in voter turnout, with the 2022 federal election recording the lowest rate in a century. This decline has been attributed to various factors, including the challenges of voting in remote communities and a growing disconnect between politicians and community issues.
To address this decline and make voting more accessible, Australia has introduced early voting options. Early voting has become an increasingly popular choice for Australians, with many voters appreciating the convenience and ease of avoiding crowds and long queues on election day. The introduction of early voting is part of a broader change in social patterns, and it grants voters the flexibility to choose a day and time that suits their schedules, especially if they work on Saturdays, which is the usual election day in Australia.
The convenience of early voting is particularly appealing to voters who prioritize speed and efficiency, allowing them to bypass the chaos and crowds typically associated with election day. It also enables individuals with busy schedules or those who plan to be away on election day to fulfil their civic duty without disruption.
While the concept of early voting is well-received by many Australians, there is a recognition that it may have reached a natural cap. Nonetheless, the two major parties, Labor and the Coalition, have adapted their strategies accordingly, launching their campaigns earlier and ensuring their key policies are communicated to voters ahead of election day.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has one of the highest voter turnouts in the world because voting is compulsory. In the last federal election, 94% of registered voters turned out to vote.
Voting became compulsory for federal elections when the Electoral Act was amended in 1924. Voter turnout surged from less than 60% in the 1922 election to more than 91% in 1925.
Failing to vote in Australia can result in a fine of A$20 and potentially a day in court.
