YOU HAVE TO VOTE: the case for compulsory participation

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In this episode:

Geoff’s hopped on a train up to Doncaster to visit Ed on the campaign trail. After their catch up, we explore the argument for compulsory voting in elections. Judith Brett tells us about how Australia got compulsory voting back in the 1920s and the impact it’s had on their politics. Then political scientist Sarah Birch argues that it’s time for the UK to follow suit.

And comedian Glenn Moore returns to share his thoughts on the election news this week.

Guests

Judith Brett, emeritus professor of politics at La Trobe University, Melbourne

Sarah Birch, professor of political science at King’s College London

Glenn Moore (@TheNewsAtGlenn), comedian

More info

Debate about compulsory voting

• Vox: Is voting a civic right or a civic duty? (Nov 2019)

• Sarah Birch: Democratic Norms, Empirical Realities & Voter Turnout (Dec 2017)

• The Times: Philip Collins: Compulsory voting can make Britain fairer (Apr 2017)

• UK Parliament: Compulsory Voting briefing (Feb 2015)

• IPPR: Voter inequality and the case for compulsory turnout (May 2006)

Compulsory voting in Australia

• Judith Brett: From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage: How Australia Got Compulsory Voting

• The Guardian: How compulsory voting saved Australia from Trumpism (Mar 2019)

• NY Times: How Compulsory Voting Works: Australians Explain (Oct 2018)