Democracy and Voting

The second publication in the Democracy Series launched at a debate on Thursday September 14 in Oxford.

In recent years, the decline in voter turnout at British general elections has prompted many leading politicians and political commentators to back reforms that will encourage – or indeed compel – citizens to take part in the electoral process.

Democracy and Voting examines the case for compulsory voting in the UK. Dr Chris Ballinger of Oxford University is the principal author and explores the pros and cons of various suggested electoral reforms aimed at increasing public engagement in the political process.

Commentaries are provided by Dr Ken Ritchie, Professor Helen Margetts and Dr Ben Rogers raise questions about whether compulsory voting would credibly encourage civic engagement, or mask underlying alienation from the political system. These issues will also be debated right here on the Democracy Series website where the pamphlet can be downloaded free.