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On balance, I think it's better, because systems where voting is voluntary seem to really encourage voter disenfranchisement. Also, the system means that the lo
by stephen_g 5y ago
On balance, I think it's better, because systems where voting is voluntary seem to really encourage voter disenfranchisement. Also, the system means that the logistics must be in place for the system to be able to handle everybody turning up to vote, so it would be very unusual (in my experience) having to wait in line for more than 20 minutes or so. As opposed to stories we saw in the US of voters having to wait hours to vote.
As others have said, it's an option to just submit a blank paper.
- caf 5y agoThis is an often-overlooked point: if you make it compulsory to vote, you have to make it easy to vote.
- pmontra 5y agoI never used a voting machine: do they allow the equivalent of a blank paper?
- stephen_g 5y agoWe don't have voting machines in Australia. You write on paper with a pencil (I believe you can bring a representative with you if you're vision impaired and things like that).
- layoric 5y agoWe definitely have voting machines [0] that started being trialed back in 2007, and more widely in recent years. The process I experienced last time I voted in local elections was you validated where you lived and were given a one use barcode/qrcode (can't remember) which you scanned at the machine, made your selections and dropped the barcode paper in specific bins. [0] https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BriefingBook45p/ElectronicVoting https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Depart...