Petition · past parliament · Cabinet Office
Introduce Compulsory Voting for UK general elections
Closed
38 signatures
What the petition asks
We want the government to implement compulsory voting laws in the same vein as are found in Australia. This means that anyone eligible to vote who does not vote without adequate reasoning will be subject to a penalty. Voting is the most important part of democracy and yet more than 30% aren't voting
UK voter turnout has not reach 90% our nations history, with voting in the last two decades not reaching even 70%.
Australia which has had compulsory voting for all eligible citizens since 1984 has seen vast improvement with the 2019 federal elections seeing 92% voter turnout.
With voter apathy becoming an ever increasing phenomenon, radical steps need to be taken to ensure democracy is upheld and that citizens believe that their government represents them.
Australia which has had compulsory voting for all eligible citizens since 1984 has seen vast improvement with the 2019 federal elections seeing 92% voter turnout.
With voter apathy becoming an ever increasing phenomenon, radical steps need to be taken to ensure democracy is upheld and that citizens believe that their government represents them.
Timeline
| 12 Feb 2021 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 12 Aug 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
38
Status
Closed
Department
Cabinet Office
Opened
12 Feb 2021
Closed
12 Aug 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.