Australia - Voting is a Serious Matter

Australia is one of the twenty-three (23) countries in the world where voting in federal elections is compulsory. It is also compulsory for Australian citizens, eighteen (18) years of age and over and eligible British subjects to enrol as voters.

Additionally, it is mandatory for its citizens to vote in state, territory and local government elections. However, in local government elections, it is not required for citizens of South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia to vote.

In case you are wondering what happens to a citizen who does not vote, well, they could be charged as little as $20 or as much as $180, court cost (if the case has to go to court) and they could be registered as a convicted criminal. Yes, Australia does enforce this law.

Notes:

PBS Newshour

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/22-countries-voting-mandatory/

Find Legal Answers/State Library New South Wales

http://legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au/hot-topics-84-voting-and-elections/compulsory-enrolment-and-voting