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Compulsory voting

What this indicator measures

In a few countries, the law requires registered voters to vote, sometimes under threat of a fine. In most countries, voting is a right but not an obligation. Here, “compulsory” means the law provides for it, even if the penalty is not always enforced.

How to read this?

“Compulsory voting” means the law requires people to vote; “Voluntary voting” means everyone is free to vote or not. Countries without national elections are not included.

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226countries with data
2026data year(s)

In brief

Compulsory voting: 226 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Voting compulsory by law : 27 ; Voluntary voting : 199.

Why this indicator matters

Voting is a right everywhere, but in a few countries it is also a legal duty. Comparing this status shows how laws view electoral participation: free choice or civic obligation.

What makes this indicator vary

The obligation to vote comes from political history, the aim of increasing turnout and civic culture. It is sometimes written into the constitution, sometimes into the electoral law, and can be revised.

Reading precautions

The text may provide a penalty that is almost never applied. The indicator says what the law provides, not actual turnout. Countries without national elections are not included, and some rules vary by case.

Compulsory voting

Voting compulsory by law (27)

Voluntary voting (199)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Compulsory voting" data come from?

It comes from CIA World Factbook (Suffrage) et Wikipédia (Compulsory voting). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

Does compulsory mean penalized?

Not always. The law may require voting without the penalty actually being applied. The indicator uses what the text provides, even if fines are rare or never applied.

Does compulsory voting guarantee high turnout?

Not automatically. Turnout also depends on actual penalties, registration on electoral rolls and trust in elections. The indicator does not measure actual turnout.

Source and update

Source : CIA World Factbook (Suffrage) et Wikipédia (Compulsory voting). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Civic duties