Dear Sir/Madam,
I thought it would be helpful to lend some additional perspective following recent correspondence regarding Australia’s legislative framework on voting. I won’t venture into exploring whether it could be feasible or appropriate for other nations, rather, I will delve a little deeper into the Australian application of the resolution.
Mandatory voter registration in Australia has a history that extends as far back as 1911, while compulsory voting was instituted in 1924. The introduction of these laws had an immediate and substantial effect on voter turnout, which skyrocketed from a lacklustre number of less than 60 per cent during the election that preceded its instantiation in 1922, to an impressive figure above 91 per cent in 1925. The regularity and level of participation have remained high since then, with approximately 90 per cent of voters turning out during our most recent general election.
Obviously, the decision to maintain mandatory voting lies in the hands of the Australian public and the legislative body, the Australian parliament. However, it’s worth observing that it has the endorsement of a significant portion of the Australian population. Surveys persistently report support levels of around 70 per cent for compulsory voting, and the majority of Australians view it favourably as a constructive aspect of our democratic process.
I would also like to extend kudos to your independent Electoral Commission, An Coimisiún Toghcháin. Their impactful and globally valuable contributions, particularly the newly introduced leading-edge research scheme for 2024-2026, illustrate the merit of the formidable team they have assembled at the newly created Irish Electoral Commission.
Yours faithfully,
Tom Rogers,
Australian Electoral Commissioner,
Australian Electoral Commission,
Canberra, Australia.