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I'm proud of my democracy sausage but remain unconvinced that criminalising nonparticipation advances the ideals and outcomes of a government by the people. Th

I'm proud of my democracy sausage but remain unconvinced that criminalising nonparticipation advances the ideals and outcomes of a government by the people. There are downsides too, most obviously when some crude federal politician stretches the Overton window in an attempt to sway reluctant voters.

piva00 9y ago
But is it criminalised? At least in Brazil voting is compulsory but a failure to vote only gives you a VERY meager fine (something less than US$ 1, even for Brazil that is cheap) and if you haven't sorted that out the only penalty is not allowing you to request a new passport. Then you have to pay the fine and go on your merry way again. It's mostly a deterrent by being annoying, paying the fine is a bit bureaucratic so people try to avoid it. Not that Brazil is a beacon of democracy and good leadership but at least it's pretty sensible on the penalties you get for non-participation.