Compulsory voting results in more evenly distributed political knowledge

Several countries across Europe have experienced low electoral turnout in recent elections, most notably in the 2014 European Parliament elections. One proposed solution is compulsory voting, though this measure is controversial in countries where voluntary voting is practiced.

Jill Sheppard argues that states using compulsory voting not only have higher turnout levels, but also more politically informed citizens, though it does not necessarily follow that the system will be appropriate for every country.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: The History of Compulsory Voting in Europe. Democracy's Duty? http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-history-of-compulsory-voting-in-europe-democracys-duty/

ESO: Background information: Lost voters: participation in EU elections and the case for compulsory voting http://www.europeansources.info/record/lost-voters-participation-in-eu-elections-and-the-case-for-compulsory-voting/

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