Andy Burnham’s government is facing growing pressure to consider one of the most significant changes to Britain’s electoral system in decades, with proposals for compulsory voting and fines for those who fail to participate gaining attention among Labour-aligned policy groups.
Several think tanks have presented plans advocating a legal “duty to vote”, with senior figures around the Prime Minister understood to be examining the idea.
Under the proposals, voters who do not take part in elections could face a £10 fine, while ballots would include a “none of the above” option to allow citizens to formally reject all candidates.
The idea has gained support from organisations including Think Labour, formerly known as Labour Together, which published research backing compulsory voting ahead of the Labour leadership contest. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Demos have also promoted similar proposals.
Supporters argue compulsory voting could address declining turnout and ensure governments are chosen by a broader section of society. They point to Australia, where mandatory voting has helped maintain consistently high participation rates.
Critics, however, argue that voting should remain a personal choice and that forcing citizens to participate risks undermining democratic freedom.
Former Labour MP Stephen Pound said there was a strong argument that voting represented a civic responsibility, although he remained personally opposed to compulsory voting.
The debate comes as Burnham has already shown interest in electoral reform. Labour MPs have previously proposed amendments calling for a compulsory voting duty with exemptions for those unable to participate, alongside civic education programmes.
For the Prime Minister, the question is whether higher turnout would strengthen democratic engagement—or create a new battle over the role of the state in citizens’ political choices.
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