OPENING STATEMENT:

Imagine a democracy where every eligible voice has the power to shape the course of a nation's destiny, where civic
participation isn't just a choice but a fundamental responsibility.

The concept of compulsory voting, mandating all eligible citizens to participate in elections, stands as a crucial element
in nurturing democracies across the globe. Take, for instance, countries like Australia and Belgium, where compulsory
voting laws have been implemented. In these nations, voter turnout consistently reaches impressive heights. Australia,
known for its mandatory voting, sees federal election turnouts averaging around 91%, while Belgium regularly achieves
voter participation rates surpassing 87%. These compelling statistics stand as a testament to the significant impact of
compulsory voting in cultivating active civic engagement and nurturing a democratic process. On a global scale,
countries that enforce compulsory voting regulations tend to exhibit markedly higher voter turnout compared to those
without such mandates. For instance, in nations where voting remains voluntary,

Voting rights are regarded as precious in any democracy. It stands for the people's voice and the principles that underpin
all governments. However, what occurs if this basic right is not used? The basic foundation of democracy frays when too
few people bother to cast ballots. This is the point at which voting becomes required. All eligible citizens should be
required to vote to guarantee that all voices are heard and that our democracies accurately reflect the will of the
people. In this assertion, I will contend that voting laws must be implemented to achieve true democracy and that it is
past due for countries to adopt this important change.

The introduction of mandatory voting has many advantages. One benefit is that, as was already said, it raises voter
turnout. Mandatory voting, however, does more than just increase voter turnout; it also increases civic involvement.
People start to become more involved in politics and current affairs when they are made to participate in the voting
process. They gain knowledge of topics, engage in discourse, and get a better comprehension of how the government
functions. Our democracies will only be strengthened by this increased participation, which will result in more
responsive governments and better decision-making. Mandatory voting can also aid in the fight against voter
suppression strategies that frequently target vulnerable populations, such as gerrymandering and voter ID laws. We can
guarantee that these groups have an equal voice in the political process by making voting mandatory.

HIGHER VOTER TURNOUT

Differential participation rates correspond to how the political candidates handle the various classes differently.
Politicians are more prone to overlook the political preferences of a class with low voter turnout when choosing which
platform to put up to the public. The winning platforms will then, in an equilibrium, probably represent the tastes of the
classes with higher attendance. We find that the mandatory voting rule enables a nation to attain a political-competition
equilibrium closer to the desired policy if one considers that the desired policy to be adopted should take into account
all citizens.

Research indicates that the effect of CV on turnout is stronger when abstinence penalties are severe and strictly
enforced, as individuals need to be aware of and comply with the law in order to actually encourage turnout (Blais,
Massicotte, and Dobrzynska 2003; León 2017; Panagopoulos 2008; Singh 2011). Stronger penalties increase the cost of
disobedience, which encourages adherence to the law. People are also more likely to be aware of the existence of the
law and the consequences of breaking it when penalties are strictly enforced, such as having to pay a fine or being
denied access to federal loans.
MORE INFORMED ELECTORATE

Voters are more likely to look for information about nonpartisan candidates if voting is more expensive than getting
such information, but only if doing so is less expensive or time-consuming. Voters are more inclined to seek out
information when voting is optional if obtaining information requires more work than casting a ballot.

Voters who have no prior knowledge of the candidates are likewise more likely to cast a ballot under regulations
requiring voting if the cost of information is high. In other words, voters are carrying out their mandate without making
the time to research each candidate. Given the option to vote or not, more people are prepared to spend money
learning about candidates since many people would prefer not to vote than to cast a ballot in the absence of
information. As a result, the percentage of knowledgeable voters rises.

Considering the consistently poor voter turnout rates in the majority of Western democracies, it makes sense to look to
mandatory voting as a solution to democracy's problems. Voter turnout that is relatively low or falling is typically seen as
a sign of civic disengagement from politics.

Mandatory voting has the potential to reduce disparities in participation and representation. The most powerful and
wealthy people are usually the ones who vote, and because they support politicians and political parties that align with
their values, their involvement can reinforce ingrained social injustices.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

In conclusion, the implementation of compulsory voting is. It's not merely about enforcing an obligation; it's about
empowering every eligible citizen to exercise their right and responsibility to participate in the democratic process.

Compulsory voting fosters an environment where diverse voices are heard, ensuring a more representative and inclusive
democracy. By mandating voting for all eligible citizens, we establish a society where the government truly mirrors the
collective will of the citizens.

Short-term voting mandates guarantee greater civic engagement, making higher voter turnout the rule rather than the
exception. During elections, this sudden spike in participation produces a more accurate representation of the public's
will.

Mandatory voting also serves as a strong short-term safeguard against strategies of voter suppression. Requiring all
eligible citizens to cast a ballot lessens the discriminatory effects of stringent ID laws and gerrymandering, promoting a
more inclusive political environment.

Voting requirements have revolutionary long-term impacts. Widespread and ongoing civic engagement embeds itself
into the fabric of society. Engaged voters are more likely to maintain current knowledge of political topics, which
promotes informed citizenship that allows voters to evaluate policies critically and hold elected officials responsible.

Mandatory voting may eventually result in a more responsive and inclusive political system. Politicians are motivated to
address a wider range of issues and meet the varied requirements of the populace because of the constantly high voting
turnout. Consequently, this fosters a more robust and vibrant democratic framework.

In essence, compulsory voting stands as a crucial cornerstone of democracy, promoting equality, representation, and
active civic engagement. It reinforces the principle that each individual's voice matters and plays a vital role in shaping
the governance and direction of the nation.