Voting is often described as both a right and a duty, but it remains optional in most parts of the world. Citizens can choose whether or not to participate in elections, and many don’t. However, several countries have taken a stricter approach and have made voting mandatory by law. In these nations, not showing up to vote can lead to fines, community service, or even restrictions on access to public services. Below are some of the countries that enforce compulsory voting.
1. Australia
Australia is one of the most famous examples of a country with mandatory voting. The law was introduced in 1924 after voter turnout dropped below 60% during a federal election. Since then, Australians aged 18 and above are legally required to vote in federal and state elections.
Failure to vote without a valid excuse results in a fine of about 20 Australian dollars. If a person refuses to pay, the penalty can escalate into a court case. However, the process is handled gently as those who can justify their absence (for instance, being ill or overseas) are usually excused. The result has been one of the world’s highest voter participation rates, consistently above 90%.
2. Belgium
Belgium has had compulsory voting since 1893, making it one of the earliest countries to adopt this rule. All citizens aged 18 and older must participate in municipal, regional, and federal elections.
Non-voters can face penalties that range from fines to restrictions on public employment. If someone fails to vote in at least four elections within 15 years, they can even lose their right to vote for the next decade.
3. Brazil
Brazil treats voting as a civic duty rather than just a right. Since 1932, the country has required all literate citizens aged 18 to 70 to vote in national and local elections. Voting is optional for illiterate citizens, those aged 16–17, and those over 70.
Those who fail to vote without a proper justification face administrative penalties. For instance, they may be unable to obtain a passport, government job, or certain social benefits until they pay a small fine and regularize their status.
4. Argentina
In Argentina, voting has been mandatory for adults since 1912. The rule applies to all citizens aged 18 to 70, although those between 16 and 17 or over 70 are allowed to vote voluntarily.
Citizens who miss an election without a valid reason face a fine and are barred from holding certain government jobs for a period of time. To justify not voting, a citizen must show proof of illness, travel, or another unavoidable circumstance.
5. Singapore
Singapore enforces compulsory voting rigorously. All eligible citizens over 21 are required to vote in general elections. Their names are removed from the electoral register if they fail to do so without an acceptable reason.
Once removed, they cannot vote in future elections or run for public office unless they submit a written explanation and reapply to be reinstated.
6. Luxembourg
Luxembourg, a small but politically stable European nation, also practices mandatory voting. Citizens aged 18 and above must vote in all elections. Unlike some countries, this obligation even extends to registered citizens living abroad.
Those who fail to vote can face fines ranging from €100 to €1,000. While enforcement tends to be lenient for first-time offenders, repeat non-voters may face harsher penalties.
7. Peru
Peru has one of the strictest mandatory voting laws in Latin America. All citizens between 18 and 70 must vote; failing to do so comes with immediate consequences. Those who skip voting must pay a fine and may be denied certain civil services, such as obtaining passports, registering property, or even getting official documents.
Peru also requires voters to present their stamped identification cards after casting their ballots. Without that stamp, it’s easy for authorities to know who didn’t vote. Interestingly, voting is also compulsory for Peruvians living abroad.
8. Greece
Greece, the birthplace of democracy, also enforces mandatory voting—at least on paper. The law requires all citizens over 18 to vote in national elections. Historically, failure to vote could lead to restrictions on obtaining passports or government jobs.
However, in recent decades, enforcement has become much more relaxed, and penalties are rarely applied. Despite that, the rule technically remains in the constitution. Greek authorities see it as a symbolic reminder of citizens’ democratic duty rather than a strict requirement.
9. Bolivia
In Bolivia, the state takes voting so seriously that citizens who fail to vote can be temporarily cut off from financial services. For 90 days after the election, those who didn’t vote are barred from withdrawing money from banks, receiving salaries, or engaging in certain financial transactions.
The law applies to all citizens between 18 and 70 years old, and each voter receives a stamped card after casting their ballot as proof of compliance. This unique economic penalty ensures one of the highest voter turnouts in Latin America, often exceeding 85%.
10. Mexico
Mexico’s constitution states that voting is a right and an obligation for all citizens. However, unlike in Bolivia or Brazil, there are no real penalties for failing to vote. While the rule technically makes participation mandatory, it’s not enforced.
11. Ecuador
Ecuador requires all citizens aged 18 to 65 to vote, except for illiterate people and those over 65, for whom voting is optional. Skipping an election without a valid excuse results in a small fine and temporary restrictions on accessing public services or official paperwork.
Interestingly, Ecuador also allows citizens as young as 16 to vote voluntarily—a policy encouraging early political engagement.
12. Chile
Chile once had compulsory voting but abolished it in 2012. However, in 2023, the government reinstated mandatory voting after observing years of declining turnout. Today, all Chilean citizens aged 18 and over must participate in elections unless they live abroad.