Compulsory Voting

Abstract

Belgium’s electoral system is idiosyncratic in many ways but one of its defining characteristics is its reliance on compulsory voting (CV). This chapter discusses the historical conditions and party-strategic considerations that have led to the adoption and endurance of CV, as well as the arguments in favor of or against CV. It explains the historical roots of CV in Belgium, before turning to current debates on CV. The chapter puts Belgium in a comparative perspective and determines whether CV actually leads to high levels of voter turnout, and describes the consequences of CV on individuals’ voting behavior, on voter equality, and on party political strength. CV has been a favorite subject of normative debates on how to improve democracy. The paradox of abolishing CV would thus be that everyone would be given the equal right and liberty to cast their vote but only the politically advantaged would take up that right.