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Dark_Lord_2008 said:
Australia is only one of a few nations that forces compulsory voting. How can you call it a democratic society if you impose compulsory voting? People should have the freedom to decide whether or not they want to vote or not like they do in most nations around the world.

People do have the freedom to decide whether they actually vote or not, there is no punishment for spoiling your ballot and having it not counted. You are simply obligated to go to a polling place and have your name checked off; or do the same through postal voting.

In most countries that don't have compulsory voting, the vast majority of those who do vote are those with money, and the poor and minorities are excluded to a great extent. I'd say that is far less democratic. 

Australia's system is one of the most democratic in the world (apart from those with direct democracy like Switzerland). We in Australia should defend our current system no matter what, everyone's voices are definitely heard, regardless of whether I actually like the outcome or not. 

fatslob-:O said:
Anyone rethinking "compulsory voting" yet ?

Absolutely not. Voting is something one is obligated to do as a citizen of the country.