Australia Turns Out On Election Day

In The United States, we're lucky to get a 55% turnout in a federal election.  Part apathy and part voter suppression through strict ID laws and discrimination and intimidation, the United States makes it difficult to vote.  The reason for this depends on who you talk to.  Democrats will tell you that strict ID laws that try to prevent citizens from voting is the cause.  (Exact ID in Georgia is an example of this).  Republicans will tell you that they need these laws to prevent voter fraud.  (the actual cases of voter fraud are few and far between).  In any event, our voting turnout is a far cry from what you will find in Australia.

In Australia, more than 96% of the population is enrolled to vote, with 90%+ a typical turnout.  Failure to vote may cost you a fine.  Voting is made easy for Australians.  First, all elections take place on a Saturday, so most people don't have to take off work to vote.  Next, it is efficient.  Voting centers are organized by an independent commission, and are well staffed, so there is never more than a few minute wait.  Also, voting has become a party in Australia, with barbeques in every neighborhood.  They have an attitude of "we're all in this together."

Other countries where voting is a requirement include Argentina, Egypt, Singapore, Switzerland and Turkey.  If the U.S. really wanted to make voting easier, we would have more early voting and either employers would give workers time off to vote, or we would hold elections on the weekend.  The truth is, many lawmakers DO NOT want more people to vote.  Making it difficult for seniors, people of color and the poor to vote changes the outcome of elections.