Should voting in elections and referendums be mandatory, or do people just need a better reason to vote? 

Turnout for last week’s referendums was 44.4%, roughly 20% less than previous referendums such as repealing the Eighth Amendment. 

The mixed turnout has raised the question of whether voting should be made mandatory in Irish elections and referendums. 

Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford said mandatory voting would be “more representative of society in general”. 

“As optional voting stands, there are certain sections of society that vote in far greater numbers... an older sector, more middle class,” he told The Hard Shoulder. 

“It would be more representative if everyone is obliged to vote and perhaps you would see a different attitude in Government.” 

Mr Clifford also argued it would be a “a very small ask for the privilege of living in a democracy". 

“At a time when democracies are under threat in various countries across the world, it’s more important than ever that a value is placed on the right to vote,” he said. 

Motivations for voting

Former TD and Solidarity member Ruth Coppinger said the issues surrounding mixed turnout would not be fixed by compulsory voting. 

“We've just come out of two referendums that were disastrous and badly explained, not adequately addressed in terms of people’s concerns,” she said. 

“It's not surprising that only 44% or so turned out to vote.” 

Ms Coppinger argued that mandatory voting would lead to “random selections” of politicians and more spoiled ballots. 

“If you start making it compulsory, it can make people feel like they’re forced rather than actually engaging in a democracy,” she said. 

“If I lived in Northern Ireland right now, who would I vote for? I’m a socialist, I’m not orange or green. 

“We need to actually educate people; we need to give them a reason to vote.” 

A ballot paper is seen marked during a referendum vote count at the RDS in Dublin in May 2018. Picture by: RollingNews.ie / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Clifford said it might be better to offer a “carrot rather than a stick”, but emphasised voting is the bare minimum in a democracy. 

“What you're talking about is conferring a specific responsibility on people and it’s a very minor responsibility,” he said. 

“It would attempt to instill that right across society that voting is important and voting can have an effect.” 

Voting is mandatory in 26 countries around the world, with several countries enforcing punishments for those who do not vote. 

Australia, which has 92%, issues a fine between $20 and $180 (€12 to €109) which is regularly enforced. 

People are only required to go the ballot box and submit a vote, meaning they can spoil their ballot. 

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