Compulsory voting, political shyness and welfare outcomes

This paper attempts to go beyond the usual liberal/democratic debates about the justifiability of compulsion or arguments about partisan benefit, towards a discussion of the social and economic functions of compulsory voting. The main theme is that given a number of trends both here and in comparable contexts, it would not be a good idea for Australians to consider abandoning the present system. These trends include: policy driven socio-economic insecurity; greater time pressures upon those in work; increasing alienation and apathy among the young and a global trend towards political demobilisation. Abstention is understood as both a political and emotional response to economic marginalisation and social isolation. Subjective feelings of alienation, neglect, cynicism and low political efficacy are treated as socio-psychic norms which govern the behaviour of non-voters, culminating in what is termed here ‘political shyness’. The politically shy are shown to be among the most vulnerable members of our community and it is suggested that under a system of voluntary voting, political shyness would negatively affect the welfare of these groups. The importance of compulsion is also linked to notions of reciprocal obligation and the centrality of inclusive citizenship to Australia's anticipated republic.