Compulsory Voting in Australia

Australia is one of only a few democracies in which electors are obliged to vote in elections. Voting is compulsory at federal elections and at elections for the state and territory legislatures. People who fail to vote at an election are asked to explain their reason for failing to vote. If the Electoral Commissioner decides the reason provided is not valid and sufficient, a fine is imposed, and failure to pay the fine may result in a court hearing.