What could be done to improve democracy in the UK? (Democracy and Participation)

Question 1

What would compulsory voting involve?

Answer 1

Introduce a system of fines (perhaps £20 - £50) for people who don’t vote to encourage more people to vote in elections/referendums.

Question 2

What could be added to ballot papers if compulsory voting was to be introduced? Why?

Answer 2

A ‘none of the above’ option.

So people wouldn’t be forced to vote for something against their wishes.

Question 3

Where has compulsory voting been proved to work?

Answer 3

Australia where the turnout is typically between 93% and 96%.

Question 4

How would compulsory voting improve democracy?

Answer 4

Increased turnout would improve participation and legitimacy.
Could lead to greater interest in political issues and improved education.
Could mean more people join pressure groups or political parties.

Question 5

What could the money from compulsory voting fines be used for?

Answer 5

Could be spent on public education programmes.

Question 6

What are the arguments against compulsory voting?

Answer 6

That the right to vote also includes the right not to vote and any attempt to force people into voting would undermine a fundamental British value.
Risk that people might not educate themselves and select a candidate at random.
Repeated forced voting could lead to public apathy and resentment.