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Should and Does Compulsory Voting Reduce Inequality?

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  • Karel Kouba
  • Stanislav Mysicka

Abstract

The principal defense of compulsory voting suggests that it bridges socioeconomic inequalities by fostering a higher, and hence less socioeconomically biased, turnout. However, this article argues that this does not automatically translate into a less biased political voice because compulsory voting also generates socioeconomically biased invalid votes, which is demonstrated on the case of Ecuador. Normatively, we deny the existence of a general moral and legal duty to vote, which would justify compelling a citizen to vote. Achieving higher levels of social equality does not automatically take priority over a citizen’s rights to liberty and conscience. Furthermore, we object in general to the paternalistic justification of compulsory voting made by its defenders. Thus, we find that instituting compulsory voting as an instrument of reducing class inequalities is unwarranted both empirically and normatively.

Suggested Citation

  • Karel Kouba & Stanislav Mysicka, 2019. "Should and Does Compulsory Voting Reduce Inequality?," SAGE Open, , vol. 9(1), pages 21582440188, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:9:y:2019:i:1:p:2158244018817141
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244018817141
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Sarah Birch, 2009. "The case for compulsory voting," Public Policy Review, Institute for Public Policy Research, vol. 16(1), pages 21-27, March.
    5. Singh, Shane P., 2018. "Compulsory Voting and Dissatisfaction with Democracy," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 48(3), pages 843-854, July.
    6. Lever, Annabelle, 2010. "Compulsory Voting: A Critical Perspective," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 40(4), pages 897-915, October.
    7. Jaitman, Laura, 2013. "The causal effect of compulsory voting laws on turnout: Does skill matter?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 79-93.
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