Over 200,000 Australian voters fined for not participating in the 2025 election

Australia is recognized as the largest democracy that enforces compulsory voting, having an efficient system that maintains a voter turnout of approximately 90%.

In the 2025 parliamentary elections, over 200,000 Australians were fined for non-participation, generating revenues of approximately 4.14 million Australian dollars. Voting became compulsory in Australia in 1924, in response to low participation, and applies to citizens over the age of 18. Although there are other countries with compulsory voting, such as Belgium and Brazil, the Australian system is considered the strictest.

Supporters argue that it ensures broader representation, while critics believe it limits freedom of choice. In contrast, Romania does not have compulsory voting, and voter turnout varies significantly, reaching only 52.5% in the last parliamentary elections.