You must have noticed by now: 2006 is an election year in several countries (Nov7: USA, Oct 5: Belgium, local elections). Belgium is strikingly different though: we do not enjoy the “right to cast our vote”, we are under the legal obligation to do so.
That’s correct: while many governments world-wide are elected by a minority of the population, every Belgian over 18 has the civic duty to cast his/her vote. Non-compliance means breaking the law and is punished by a fine. If you ignore the “duty to vote” for the 4th time, a judge can even take away part of your civil liberties.
I know it must sound weird, but mandatory voting is the best way to ensure a real democratic government. In many countries, the poor, the dissatisfied, the “I have an appointment with my hairdresser and I don’t care” part of the electorate is huge, making the head of state (eg George W Bush in the US) someone who has been elected by a minority.
Mandatory voting ensures that almost every Belgian citizen shows up on election day, with the liberty not to choose a candidate, although that figure is neglectable in Belgium: most people pick their party/candidate.
[image: I wonder what the USA would look like with some system of "mandatory voting" 
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This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by the city of Antwerp, Belgium.
I’m already depressed about the Belgian elections … while hoping to be surprised by the results.
And yes, it’s good everyone has to vote but it’s really bad that it looks like their protest vote might just put the extreme right in power … this would make me sad beyond words.
I’m not sure how to be pollyanna when comparing de winter to bush/cheney … they all add up to sinister and incompetent.
Comment by Di — September 21, 2006 @ 1:43 pm
Good results in Antwerp
No fear.
Comment by A — October 9, 2006 @ 12:53 am