|
total countries/territories: 233
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every voter shall have the right to have access to a polling center to exercise his/her vote.
Source:
Afghan Election Law, art. 5 (3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
|
2019/09/24
|
|
Albania
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
The Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, dated 2 April 2015, art. 3.
The Constitution of the Republic of Albania, art. 45
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2017/05/17
|
|
Algeria
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 50: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Algeria_2008?lang=en (2017);
Electoral law (Loi organique n° 12-01 du 18 Safar 1433 correspondant au 12 janvier 2012 relative au régime électoral), art. 2, 3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/DZ/algeria-ordonnance-nb0-12-01-du-13-fevrier-2012/view (2017)
|
2019/09/25
|
|
American Samoa
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
American Samoa Code Annotated Title 6 Elections Section 2 Article 6.0210; International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2017/08/18
|
|
Andorra
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of the Principality of Andorra, Art.24 https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/AD/andorra-constitution-1993-1/ ;
Electoral law: 28/2007 - "Llei qualificada del règim electoral i del referèndum", art. 1: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/AD/andorra-electoral-law-2007/
|
2023/06/09
|
|
Angola
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
The exercise of the right to vote shall be personal and non-transferable and shall be a civic duty.
Source:
Constitution of 3 February 2010, art. 54 (3): http://www.tribunalconstitucional.ao/uploads/%7B9555c635-8d7c-4ea1-b7f9-0cd33d08ea40%7D.pdf (2017);
Electoral Law n.º 36/11 of 21 December 2011 regulating General Elections, art. 4 (1): http://www.tribunalconstitucional.ao/uploads/%7Bc46fa0b3-c947-4440-ae92-5f1a3a275d8a%7D.pdf (2017)
|
2017/03/28
|
|
Anguilla
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Link to Anguilla's voter turn-out data and statistics: http://www.idea.int/vt/countryview.cfm?id=6
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2015/02/24
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution Article 40.2
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
|
2014/06/04
|
|
Argentina
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Voting is compulsory and regulated in both the constitution and the electoral law. The non-voter has to provide a legitimate reason for his/her abstention or may face a fine sanction, infringements of civil rights, or disenfranchisement. With regards to popular consultation convoked by the Congress or the President, voting is voluntary.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la Nación Argentina — Ley 24430, texto oficial ordenado”, art. 37: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-constitucion-nacional-reformas-1994/ (2019);
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral Nacional — Ley 19945”, art. 12 & 125: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-ley-19945-codigo-electoral-nacional-2019/ (2019)
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Armenia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 48. Right of Suffrage and Right to Participate in a Referendum
1. Citizens of the Republic of Armenia having attained the age of eighteen on the day of an election to the National Assembly or on the day of a referendum, shall have the right to elect and the right to participate in the referendum.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2015),:http://www.president.am/en/constitution-2015/;
|
2015/12/01
|
|
Aruba
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/);
Mr. Hubert Maduro, President, Electoral Council of Aruba
|
2017/07/07
|
|
Australia
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
Voting has been compulsory since 1924 and the enforcement is strict with sanctions such as fines if the non-voter can not provide a legitimate reason for his/her abstention.
245 Compulsory voting
(1) It shall be the duty of every elector to vote at each election
Source:
Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (amended in 2019) Sec.245: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00103/f85985f8-e256-4e11-ad31-884ed7f92224
|
2024/09/09
|
|
Austria
|
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Voting is compulsory in the Federal States where this has been enacted by State law. Detailed provisions about the electoral procedure and compulsory voting, if necessary, will be made by federal law. This federal law shall in particular lay down the reasons held to excuse non-participation in the election notwithstanding compulsory voting
Source:
Constitution of Austria, Art. 26(1)
Federal Law on the Election of the National Council (1992)
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/6544
|
2012/05/29
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Participation of the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan in elections and referendums shall be free and voluntary. Nobody shall have the right to put pressure on a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan to participate or not to participate in elections and referendums, and nobody may impede him/her to express his/her will freely.
Source:
Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan including 2024 amendments, Article 2.2: https://msk.gov.az/uploads/qanunvericilik/Election-Code-2024.pdf
|
2024/11/12
|
|
Bahamas
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act Article 8,9:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BS/bahamas-parliamentary-elections-act-2012/view (2017)
|
2017/03/27
|
|
Bahrain
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Citizens, both men and women, are entitled to participate in public affairs and may enjoy political rights, including the right to vote and to stand for elections, in accordance with this Constitution and the conditions and principles laid down by law. No citizen can be deprived of the right to vote or to nominate oneself for elections except by law.
Source:
Constitution, article 1: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bahrain_2017
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Bangladesh
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
|
2012/05/30
|
|
Barbados
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Representation of the People's Act: Section 6.
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2011/07/28
|
|
Belarus
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Citizens of the Republic of Belarus shall have the right to vote freely and to be elected to state bodies on the basis of universal, equal, direct or indirect suffrage by secret ballot.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 38 & 65: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
|
2023/09/13
|
|
Belgium
|
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Unjustified abstention is punishable, penalties ranging from a fine to removal from the electoral register.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 62, 68 (2)
|
2017/06/30
|
|
Belize
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 92: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Voter Turnout Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/question-country?question_id=9240&country=23&database_theme=293
|
2025/03/24
|
|
Benin
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
ARTICLE 6
Suffrage shall be universal, equal and secret. The electors shall be, under the
conditions determined by law, all Béninese nationals of both sexes over the age of
eighteen and in full possession of their civil and political rights.
Source:
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 3
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016);
Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 6
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
|
2019/04/05
|
|
Bermuda
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2012/05/31
|
|
Bhutan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every person who is a citizen of Bhutan as evidenced by a citizenship identity card shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for a constituency.
Source:
Election of Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 6, Article 100: https://www.ecb.bt/wp content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
|
2024/08/27
|
|
Bolivia
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
The voting certificate is the only document that proves that an elector has complied with the obligation to vote. Without a voting certificate or proof of payment of the fine, within ninety (90) days following the election, voters shall not:
a) Work as public officers.
b) Perform banking transactions.
c) Issue a passport.
Source:
Constitution; "Constitución Política del Estado", 26 (II-2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-constitucion-politica-del-estado-vigente/ (2019).
Electoral Law; “Ley del Régimen Electoral— Ley 026-2010”, art. 43 (I.a), 154: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-ley-026-2010-regimen-electoral-vigente/ (2019)
|
2024/12/09
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
|
2025/06/23
|
|
Botswana
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of Botswana, art. 67 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
|
2014/10/24
|
|
Brazil
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Article 14. Popular sovereignty shall be exercised by universal suffrage and by direct and secret voting, with equal value for all, and, in accordance with the law, through:
§ 1º Voter registration and voting are:
I – mandatory for those over eighteen years of age;
II – optional for:
a) illiterates;
b) those over seventy years of age;
c) those over sixteen and under eighteen years of age.
Electoral Code:
Article 6.
Voter registration and voting are mandatory for Brazilians of both sexes, except:
I – regarding voter registration:
a) the disabled;
b) those over seventy years of age;
c) those who are outside the country.
II – regarding voting:
a) the sick;
b) those who are outside their domicile;
c) civil and military employees on duty that prevents them from voting.
Source:
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, 1988, Article 14 (1):
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/constituicao-federal/constituicao-da-republica-federativa-do-brasil
Electoral Code - Law No. 4,737, of July 15, 1965, Article 6, 7, 8:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/codigo-eleitoral-1/codigo-eleitoral-lei-nb0-4.737-de-15-de-julho-de-1965
|
2024/10/18
|
|
Brunei Darussalam
|
g. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 23: http://publicofficialsfinancialdisclosure.worldbank.org/fdl/sites/fdl/files/assets/law-library-files/Brunei_Constitution_1959_amended%202011_EN.pdf (2013);
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bx.html
|
2013/03/18
|
|
Bulgaria
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 3. (1)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
(2014)
|
2014/10/02
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
The electorate consists of all Burkinabe two
sexes, aged eighteen years of age on the date of the poll, enjoying of their civil and political rights, on the lists
election and not being in any case of disability in accordance with the law.
Source:
Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 42: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/02%2008%202012%20Code_%C3%A9lectoral-BF-2012.pdf (2012)
|
2015/12/04
|
|
Burma (Myanmar)
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every citizen who is eligible to vote and person who has the right to vote under the law shall cast a vote only for each Hluttaw at a constituency in an election.
Source:
Constitution of Myanmar, art. 391: http://burmacampaign.org.uk/media/Constitution-1.pdf (2015);
The Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, art. 6: http://www.altsean.org/Research/2010/Resources/Laws/Pyithu%20Hluttaw%20Election%20Law.pdf (2013).
|
2015/11/17
|
|
Burundi
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Code: https://courconstitutionnelle.gov.bi/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Code-Electoral_30092024095027.pdf
Constitution Art. 87: https://acbc.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl441/files/Legislation/Countries%20legislations/BURUNDI/Constitution%20of%20Burundi%20of%20_2018_compressed.pdf
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Cambodia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 34 (1): http://www.ccc.gov.kh/detail_info_en.php?_txtID=791
|
2023/10/11
|
|
Cameroon
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Code of 13 April 2012, art. 2: http://www.assemblenationale.cm/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=82 (2012);
Constitution, art. 2 (3): http://www.assemblenationale.cm/images/stories/DOCUMENTS_PDF/constitution.pdf (2012)
|
2012/08/09
|
|
Canada
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every person who is qualified as an elector is entitled to vote and may freely choose whether or not to use that right.
Source:
The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 3
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Cape Verde
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is not mandatory, but it is considered a civic duty.
Source:
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 191: http://www.parlamento.cv/userfiles/image/site/Leis/Altera%20o%20C%C3%B3digo%20Eleitoral%20-%20texto%20integrante.pdf (2016)
|
2016/05/04
|
|
Cayman Islands
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution: “Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009”, Section 92: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-constitution-2009/ ;
Electoral Law: “Elections Act (2021 Revision)”, Section 5(2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-elections-act-2021-revision/ ;
International IDEA’s Voter Turnout Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/166/40
|
2021/12/13
|
|
Central African Republic
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Law N° 09.016, Art. 7, 19: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Centrafrique/CODE_ELECTORAL-RCA-2-octobre-2010.pdf (2016)
|
2021/04/19
|
|
Chad
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Law N° 003/PR/2008 amended by law n° 008/PR/2009, law n° 007/PR/2010 and law n° 020/PR/2010, art. 3: https://publicofficialsfinancialdisclosure.worldbank.org/sites/fdl/files/assets/law-library-files/Chad_Electoral%20code_2009_fr.pdf (2016)
|
2019/04/23
|
|
Chile
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 15:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
|
2025/03/04
|
|
China
|
g. Not applicable
|
Voting on the national level is conducted by people's congresses of the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and special administrative regions, as well as by the armed forces.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 59
|
2012/06/04
|
|
Cocos (keeling) Islands
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
245. (1) It shall be the duty of every elector to vote at each election.
Source:
Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, as amended on 8 March 2019, art 245: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00103
|
2019/07/08
|
|
Colombia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
It is worth noting that the Law 403 of 1997, establishes a series of encouragements for citizens to vote.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 258: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Law 403 of 1997: “Ley 403 de 1997, por la cual se establecen estímulos para los sufragantes”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-403-de-1997-de-estimulos-a/ (2003).
|
2024/12/12
|
|
Comoros
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Law No 10-018/AU Amending certain provisions of the Electoral Act No. 07-001/AU of 14 January 2007, art. 6
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/KM/comores-electoral-law-2010/view (2016)
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Congo (Brazzaville)
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Law of 24 November 2001, Art. 4: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CG/congo-brazzaville-electoral-law-2001/view (2001)
|
2015/10/23
|
|
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Loi électorale (2015), articles 5-7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
|
2016/11/03
|
|
Cook Islands
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
|
2012/06/04
|
|
Costa Rica
|
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Although the Constitution establishes the mandatory nature of suffrage, there is no sanction for the people who do not vote.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 93: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
|
2018/01/24
|
|
Croatia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 45 of the Constitution, as amended: All Croatian citizens who have reached the age of eighteen years (voters) shall be entitled to universal and equal suffrage in elections for the Croatian Parliament, the President of the Republic of Croatia and the European Parliament and in decision-making procedures by national referendum, in compliance with law.
Source:
Article 45 of the Constitution of Croatia, as amended in 2013
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
|
2020/07/02
|
|
Cuba
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República de Cuba (2019)”, art. 205: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-constitucion-2019-ace/ ;
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voter-turnout)
|
2023/09/12
|
|
Cyprus
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Previously, voting was compulsory according to Electoral law and Constitution. Seen quoted below. This law was abolished May 31, 2017. It had not been enforced for over twenty years. Voter turnout for Presidential elections in 2018 was 81% for 2013 Presidential elections and is estimated at 71% for this year.
(previous law): Voting is compulsory. Unjustified failure to vote is punishable with a fine or imprisonment. Before replacement of the domestic currency for the euro in 2008, the fine imposed by the court may not exceed 500 cypriot pounds (CYP).
Source:
http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/05/31/government-abolishes-compulsory-voting/
http://www.electionguide.org/countries/id/57/
Constitution, Art. 31:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016);
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 7(2):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Cyprus (North)
|
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
The wording of the Constitution implies that voting is mandatory, however it is not binding or enforced:
"It shall be the right and duty of every citizen who has completed the age of eighteen years to vote at elections and referendums."
Source:
Constitution of Northern Cyprus, Art. 68
|
2012/06/07
|
|
Czech Republic
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Art. 18: (3) Every citizen of the Czech Republic who has attained the age of eighteen years shall have the right to vote.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 18.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
|
2023/09/14
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution de la République de Côte d'Ivoire (2000), art. 33: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CI/cote-divoire-constitution-du-23-juillet-2000/view
|
2016/11/30
|
|
Denmark
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Any Danish subject who is permanently domiciled in the Realm, and who has the age qualification for suffrage as provided for in Sub-section (2) of this section shall have the right to
vote at Folketing elections, provided that he has not been declared incapable of conducting his own affairs. It shall be laid down by statute to what extent conviction and public assistance amounting to poor relief within the meaning of the law shall entail disenfranchisement.
Source:
Constitution Sec 29(1)
Parliamentary Elections Act Ch.1, P.1, Art.1(1)
|
2019/05/23
|
|
Djibouti
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 4: The exercise of the right of suffrage is subject to the prior registration on an electoral list of the administrative district where the domicile or residence is located, except as otherwise provided in this law.
Source:
Organic Law No. 1/AN/92 regulating Elections, art. 3 and 4: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/DJ/djibouti-electoral-law-1992/view (2016)
|
2023/07/11
|
|
Dominica
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 33 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Registration of Electors Act No. 13 of 1974, Section 4: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-registration-of-electors-act-1974/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - Voting Rights and Responsibilities: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/voting-2/guidelines-for-polling-day-6 (2014).
|
2014/12/16
|
|
Dominican Republic
|
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
The Constitution establishes voting as a right. In spite of its compulsory nature, there are no sanctions for those who do not exercise their right to vote.
Source:
Constitución: Constitución de la República Dominicana (2015) art. 75 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DO/republica-dominicana-constitucion-politica-2015/ (2020)
|
2020/02/04
|
|
Ecuador
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Those who fail to vote must pay a fine. Voting is only optional for people between 16 and 18 years old, elderly persons over 65 years old, Ecuadorians who live abroad, members of the Armed Forces and the National Police Force, persons with disabilities and illiterates.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República del Ecuador”, art. 62: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 11, 292: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
|
2025/03/13
|
|
Egypt
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Participation of citizens in the public life is a national duty. Every citizen shall have the right to vote, run for elections, and express his/her opinion in referendums. The Law shall regulate the exercise of these rights. There may be exemption from the performance of this duty in certain cases to be specified by Law.
Source:
Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 87: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
|
2025/09/23
|
|
El Salvador
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is regarded as a civic duty, but no sanctions are imposed on non-voters.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 72 & 73: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 3: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Equatorial Guinea
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution as amended by referendum of 23 November 2011, art. 54
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Equatorial_Guinea_2012?lang=en (2016)
|
2016/05/03
|
|
Eritrea
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 30:1
|
2011/06/21
|
|
Estonia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
§ 56. Supreme political authority in Estonia is vested in the people who, through citizens eligible to vote, exercise it:
1) in elections of the Riigikogu;
2) in referendums
Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 16 May 2015, § 56.
|
2019/02/19
|
|
Ethiopia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
No Ethiopian shall be compelled to elect or be elected.
Source:
Electoral Law as amended by Proclamation No. 532/2007, art. 26 (4)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ET/ethiopia-proclamatio-no.-532-2007-amending-the/view
|
2015/05/18
|
|
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution: “Falkland Islands Constitution Order 2008”, Section 32: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/FK/falkland-islands-constitution-2008/ ;
Electoral Law: “Electoral Ordinance 1988”, Section 15: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/FK/falkland-islands-electoral-ordinance-1988/ ;
|
2022/04/19
|
|
Faroe Islands
|
f. No information available
|
|
2012/07/09
|
|
Fiji
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 23 (3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/FJ/fiji-constitution-2013/at_download/file (2014).
|
2018/04/18
|
|
Finland
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
In parliamentary elections, the Presidential election and European Parliamentary elections, every Finnish citizen is entitled to vote provided the person has reached the age of 18 not later than on the day of the election. In the Presidential election, the voting age must be reached not later than on the day of the first round of the Presidential election.
Source:
Election Act 714/1998 as amended, Section 2
|
2019/04/02
|
|
France
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
a) But for those entitled to vote for the Senate (Chamber 2), voting is compulsory (Electoral code, Art. L.318)
Source:
Electoral Code, Art. L2, L318
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=F68B3CF06BA941E48270531A7F396845.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
|
2020/06/21
|
|
French Guiana
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2006/11/21
|
|
French Polynesia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is considered a civic duty, but no penalty for those people who do not vote.
Source:
Electoral Code, Article L.11.
|
2004/01/15
|
|
Gabon
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 4
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
Constitution art 4
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en
(2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Gambia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every citizen of The Gambia of full age and capacity shall have the right, without unreasonable restrictions to vote and stand for elections at genuine periodic elections for public office, which election shall be by universal and equal suffrage and be held by secret ballot;
Source:
Constitution, Chapter IV, section 26 (b): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gambia_2004?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/21
|
|
Georgia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
The Election Code of Georgia, art. 3:
https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/1557168?publication=87
|
2024/07/24
|
|
Germany
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Members of the German Bundestag shall be elected in general, direct, free, equal and secret elections. They shall be representatives of the whole people, not bound by orders or instructions, and responsible only to their conscience.
Source:
Constitution, Ch.3, Art.38(1)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_gg/englisch_gg.pdf
|
2021/11/16
|
|
Ghana
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (1996), art. 42: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GH/ghana-constitution-1992-with-amendments-through/view
|
2016/09/21
|
|
Gibraltar
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
"3. (1) The persons entitled to vote as electors at elections of members of
the Parliament (in this Act referred to as ‘the Parliament’) under the Gibraltar Constitution Order 2006 shall be those persons who–
(i) have lived in Gibraltar during the whole of the qualifying period; and
(ii) intend to live in Gibraltar either permanently or indefinitely; and
(iii) are, on the qualifying date and on the date of the poll, British citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, British Overseas citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British protected persons or British subjects under the British Nationality Act 1981, and are 18 years of age or over and are not subject to any legal incapacity to vote;"
Source:
Parliament Act Number 1950-15, Part II, Article 3(1).
https://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/1950-15o.pdf
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2019/11/04
|
|
Greece
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Voting is compulsory and regulated in both the constitution and the electoral law. The non-voter can be imprisoned for 1-12 months, unless he/she is over 70 years old, he/she is out of the country or more than 200 km away from his/her constituency, or he/she has a legitimate reason for abstaining.
Source:
Constitution, art.51:5
P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of legal provisions on parliamentary elections), art. 117
|
2015/02/05
|
|
Greenland
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Franchise for the Folketing is held by every person of Danish nationality, who is above 18 years of age, and permanently resident in the realm, unless such person has been deprived of his or her legal capacity under a guardianship order, cf. section 6 of the guardianship act.
Source:
Constitution of Denmark, Sec 29 Parliamentary Elections Act Ch.1, P.1, Art.1(1)
|
2014/06/04
|
|
Grenada
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2011/07/31
|
|
Guadeloupe
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2006/11/21
|
|
Guam
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
All who are entitled to vote may register for voter status, however registration is voluntary.
Source:
Guam Code Annotated, Title 3, Art. 3101
|
2020/10/28
|
|
Guatemala
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is considered a civic duty; there is no sanction to citizens who don’t attend to do it.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 136: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 13, 198: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
|
2023/05/29
|
|
Guinea
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Each citizen has the duty to participate in the elections, to promote tolerance, the values of democracy, to be loyal to [envers] the Nation. Constitution, art. 22
Source:
Constitution (2010), art. 22 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GN/guinea-constitution-2010-english-version/view
|
2017/01/26
|
|
Guinea-Bissau
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
The exercise of the right to vote is considered a civic duty.
Source:
Electoral Law of 11 November 2009 on the election of the President of the Republic and the National People's Assembly ("Lei Eleitoral Para Presidente da República e Assembleia Nacional Popular"), art. 4: http://www.cne-guinebissau.org/phocadownload/lei_eleitoral.pdf (2012)
|
2014/06/24
|
|
Guyana
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy; International IDEA Compulsory voting list (http://www.idea.int/vt/compulsory_voting.cfm)
|
2015/05/10
|
|
Haiti
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2015/04/08
|
|
Holy See (Vatican City State)
|
f. No information available
|
f) Religious legal system: the Supreme Pontiff (Pope) is elected according to Canon Law
Source:
Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 1 (2): http://www.vaticanstate.va/NR/rdonlyres/3F574885-EAD5-47E9-A547-C3717005E861/2522/FundamentalLaw1.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/14
|
|
Honduras
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Suffrage is universal, binding, equal, direct, free and secret but there are no sanctions for non-voters.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de 1982", art. 44: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-constitucion-politica-de-1982-2021/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral de Honduras”, art. 3 (10), 65–66: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-ley-electoral-2021-con-reformas-2021/
|
2025/08/07
|
|
Hong Kong
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Legislative Council Ordinance (CAP 542) Section 48: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/HK/hong-kong-legislative-council-ordinance-cap-542
|
2021/06/07
|
|
Hungary
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary, Sec.2(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/HU/hungary-2011-law-cciii-on-election-of-members-of/view
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sec. 2(b): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
|
2018/07/30
|
|
Iceland
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
All Icelandic citizens who have reached the age of 18 and who are domiciled in Iceland are eligible to vote, however voting or registration is not compulsory.
Source:
Constitution of Iceland, 2013
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iceland_2013?lang=en
Act on Parliamentary elections, art, 1, (2000) https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/3897/file/Iceland_Act_Parliamentary_Elections_to_Althing_2000_en.pdf
|
2020/07/27
|
|
India
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
The Constitution of India, Article 326: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/IN/india-constitution-as-amended-to-2007/view
|
2024/06/18
|
|
Indonesia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 1(25): Voters are citizens of the Republic of Indonesia who have reached 17(seventeen) years of age or more, or married.
Article 19(1): Any Indonesian citizen who, on the voting day, has reached the age of 17(seventeen) years or more or is/have married shall has the right to vote.
Source:
Law 8/2012 on General Election of the Members of House of Representatives, People’s Representatives Council and Regional House of Representatives, Art. 1 (25), 19(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/ID/indonesia-law-8-2012-on-general-election-of-the/view
|
2024/01/31
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
No mention is made of compulsory voting
Source:
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
|
2024/11/19
|
|
Iraq
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Iraqi Constitution, Article 20: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/mideast/IQ/Full%20Text%20of%20Iraqi%20Constitution.pdf/view
|
2018/04/15
|
|
Ireland
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 16(1.2), 12(2): https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/cons/en/html
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Israel
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/144/40)
|
2019/05/01
|
|
Italy
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
According to the Constitution, voting is a civic duty.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 48
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
|
2020/07/18
|
|
Jamaica
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2025/09/18
|
|
Japan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
The Constitution of Japan indicates that 1) the people have the inalienable right to choose their public officials and to dismiss them. 2) All public officials are servants of the whole community and not of any group thereof. 3) Universal adult suffrage is guaranteed with regard to the election of public officials. 4) In all elections, secrecy of the ballot shall not be violated. A voter shall not be answerable, publicly or privately, for the choice he has made.
Suffrage is guaranteed, however it is not compulsory.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 15:https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
|
2019/07/09
|
|
Jordan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every Jordanian 18 years old or older has the right to vote.
Source:
The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art 3: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf
|
2016/08/01
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Elections in the Republic shall be based on the free exercise by a citizen of the Republic of the right to elect and be elected.
Source:
Constitutional Law on Elections of the Republic of Kazakhstan, amended as of November 5, 2022, article 2: https://www.election.gov.kz/eng/election-legal-framework/the-laws-of-the-rk.php
|
2024/10/17
|
|
Kenya
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
It is a right as enshrined in the Bill of Rights
It is a Civic duty of every citizen
Source:
Constitution, art. 38
|
2024/12/06
|
|
Kiribati
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Subject to the provisions of this section and of section 118(3) of this Constitution, every person who-(a) is a citizen of Kiribati;(b) has attained the age of 18 years; and(c) is a person resident within an electoral district established by or under this Constitution, shall be entitled to be registered as an elector in the electoral district in which he is resident, and when so registered to vote at an election of a member of the Maneaba ni Mangatabu for that electoral district.
Source:
Article 64, Constitution
|
2020/05/01
|
|
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
|
f. No information available
|
Voting is not mandated in the Constitution.
Source:
Constitution of DPRK
|
2014/06/23
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
The State shall take necessary measures to enable an eligible voter to exercise his/her voting franchise.
Source:
Public Officials Election Act, Article 6: https://www.nec.go.kr/site/eng/ex/bbs/List.do?cbIdx=1280
|
2024/08/28
|
|
Kuwait
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Official Website of the Kuwait Government: http://www.pm.gov.kw/en/national_Assembly/aboutNationalAssembly.jsp (2013);
Law No. 35 of 1962 on the election of members of Parliament with its amendments, art. 1: http://www.gcc-legal.org/mojportalpublic/LawAsPDF.aspx?opt&country=1&LawID=2687#Section_3508 (2013)
|
2013/01/31
|
|
Kyrgyzstan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Elections in the Kyrgyz Republic shall be based on citizens' free and voluntary implementation of their voting rights. Nobody has the right to exert influence on citizens for the purpose of forcing (coercing) them to participate or not participate in elections, as well as their free expression of will.
Source:
Constitutional Law No 68 of 2011 (amended 2020) “On elections of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and deputies of Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic”, art. 2 (1): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a1/KYRG_Const%20Laww%20on%20Elections%20of%20President%20and%20MPs.pdf
|
2025/05/07
|
|
Lao People's Democratic Republic
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
All Lao citizens, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, beliefs, social status, place of residence, and profession, who are at least 18 years of age, have the right to vote; anyone who is at least 21 years of age has the right to be elected as a member of the National Assembly.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 36: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 3: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
|
2021/02/17
|
|
Latvia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is a right, not a duty.
Article 1: Citizens of Latvia who have reached the age of 18 by Election Day have the right to vote unless any of the restrictions specified in Article 2 of this Law apply.
Source:
Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 1: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
|
2014/10/09
|
|
Lebanon
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Any Lebanese man or woman, who has reached the [required] age specified in the Constitution, whether resident or non-resident in Lebanese territory, and enjoying his civil and political rights being not involved in one of the cases provided for in this law, has the right to vote.
Source:
Parliamentary Election Law No. 25 of 2008, art. 3: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Constitution, art. 21: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Lesotho
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
|
2017/07/19
|
|
Liberia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
The New Elections Law (2016, with amendments up until and including 2014), Chapter 3, Art. 3.1, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LR/liberia-amended-electoral-laws-2014/view
The 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, Art. 77, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LR/liberia-amended-electoral-laws-2014/view
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
No provisions for compulsory voting.
Source:
The Constitutional Declaration (National Transitional Council of Libya); https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Libya_2011
Law No. 4 on the Election of the General National Congress (National Transitional Council of Libya): (Eng) http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LY/libya-law-no.-4-of-2012-on-the-election-of-the-e/view (Arabic) http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LY/libya-law-no.-4-of-2012-on-the-election-of-the/view
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
Source:
OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Principality of Liechtenstein, Parliamentary Elections 7 February 2021, Needs Assessment Mission Report, 2020 (4)
https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/a/f/473469.pdf
|
2025/02/20
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 34: (1) Citizens who, on the day of the election, have reached 18 years of age shall have the electoral right.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 34 (1)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
|
2020/06/07
|
|
Luxembourg
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
Voters unable to participate in the vote must inform the Justice of the Peace of their reasons, along with the necessary supporting documents. If the Justice of the Peace accepts the validity of these excuses, no legal action will be taken. The following are automatically excused:
Voters who, at the time of the election, reside in a different municipality from the one where they are called to vote.
Voters aged over 75 years
Source:
Electoral law, Art. 89: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/68/Luxembourg_electoral%20code_2003_amended2016_FR.pdf
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every citizen of the Republic of Macedonia who is at least 18 years of age, has the
capacity to contract and has a permanent residence in the electoral district, municipality
or in the City of Skopje, where the election takes place, shall have the right to vote.
Source:
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 6: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Madagascar
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Organic Law n° 2012-005 on the Electoral Code, art. 3: http://mdm-national.mg/bureau/textes-reglementaires/textes-reglementaires/ (2013);
Constitution, art. 5 (1): http://www.ceni-madagascar.mg/dossier/constitution.pdf (2013)
|
2013/02/08
|
|
Malawi
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Malawi Electoral Laws. http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MW/malawi-electoral-laws-2019/view
2023 Revised Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MW/malawi-revised-constitution-2023/view
Presidential, Parliamentary & Local Government Elections Act (No. 10 of 2023): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MW/presidential-parliamentary-and-local-government/view
Malawi Electoral Commission Act 11 of 2023: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MW/malawi-amended-malawi-electoral-commission-act/view
|
2025/07/01
|
|
Malaysia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 119: http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/docs/malaysia.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/21
|
|
Maldives
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution 2008, art. 26: http://www.majlis.gov.mv/en/wp-content/uploads/Constitution-english.pdf (2018);
Article 26
Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, every citizen of the Maldives eighteen years of age or older
has the right:
(a) to vote in elections, and in public referendums, which shall be held by secret ballot;
(b) to run for public office;
(c) to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
|
2019/02/12
|
|
Mali
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Article 2 du code électorale.
Verified by Mamadou Seck, Forum Civil, [email protected], 2008-02-20
|
2008/03/28
|
|
Malta
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
General Elections Act, Art. 15, 16: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012);
Constitution, Art. 57: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Marshall Islands
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
No provision mandating compulsory voting. Provisions specifying criteria for eligibility to vote only.
Source:
Constitution, art. 4 (3). https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Marshall_Islands_1995
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Martinique
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2006/11/21
|
|
Mauritania
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly
|
2024/10/28
|
|
Mauritius
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Any person who is registered as an elector in a constituency shall be entitled to vote in such manner as may be prescribed at any election for that constituency unless he is prohibited from so voting by any law in force in Mauritius.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, art. 44
|
2012/02/25
|
|
Mayotte
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2006/11/21
|
|
Mexico
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is a right and a civic obligation, but there are no formal sanctions.
Source:
Constitution: "Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos", arts. 35(I), 36(III): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-constitucion-2024/ ;
Electoral Law: "Ley General de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales", art. 7(1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-lgipe-2024/
|
2024/04/12
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Eligible Voters:
Every Citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia is eligible to vote in a National Election if he or she has fulfilled the following requirements:
(1) is 18 years of age or older on the day of the election;
(2) is a resident or domiciliary of the State of Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, or Yap and a registered voter therein for at least 30 days immediately preceding the election;
(3) is not currently under a judgment of mental incompetency or insanity;
(4) is not currently under parole, probation, or sentence for any felony for which he or she has been convicted by any court of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Trust Territory, or any court within the jurisdiction of the United States; and
(5) is not currently disqualified to vote under section 305 of this title.
Source:
Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia Art. 6, Section 1: http://www.fsmlaw.org/fsm/constitution/constitution.htm
The National Election Code, Title. 9, Section 102: http://www.fsmlaw.org/fsm/code/title09/T09_Ch01.htm
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Participation in elections is based on the citizen's free will. No one may exercise pressure on a voter to force him/her to participate or not in the elections, nor on the expression of a voter's free will.
Source:
Electoral Law: Electoral Code No. 1381-XIII of 21.11.97 article 2:2.
|
2021/04/01
|
|
Monaco
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Law 839 regulating communal and national elections, as amended in 2002, Art. 1;
https://legimonaco.mc/tnc/loi/1968/02-23-839/
Constitution, Art. 53; https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2013)021-e
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2023/09/11
|
|
Mongolia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Law of 2016 article 92 https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7739/file/Mongolia_law_elections_2015_am2016_en.pdf
|
2020/02/17
|
|
Montenegro
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 2: 2. No one may, on whatever grounds, take voters to account for voting, or ask them to say who they have voted for or why they have not voted.
Source:
Electoral Law: Law on the Election of Councillors and Representatives as amended in 2016, art. 2(2).
https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2020)031-e
|
2023/09/27
|
|
Montserrat
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Elections Act, art. 12
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Morocco
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 30(b): The vote is a personal right and a national duty.
Source:
Morocco's Constitution of 2020, Article 30;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Morocco_2011.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Mozambique
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of 21 January 2005, art. 73, 135 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MZ/mozambique-constitution-portuguese-version/view (2014);
Law No. 8/2013 of 27 February 2013 regulating presidential and legislative elections (as amended by Law No. 12/2014), art. 3, 4 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MZ/Mozambique-Law-No.-12-2014-of-13-April-2014/view (2014)
|
2024/12/04
|
|
Namibia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
|
2012/02/24
|
|
Nauru
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
Voting is compulsory.
Source:
Electoral Act 2016, Art. 54. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
|
2019/07/01
|
|
Nepal
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Each citizen of Nepal who has completed the age of 18 years shall have the right to vote in any one election constituency as provided for in the Federal law.
Each citizen of Nepal who resides within the territory of the State and who has completed the age of 18 years shall have a right to vote in an election constituency in accordance with law.
Every person who has completed the age of 18 years and whose name is included in the electoral rolls shall have a right to vote as provided in the Federal law.
Source:
The Constitution of Nepal, 2015, Article 84 (5), 176 (5) and 222 (5) www.lawcommission.gov.np/en/documents/2016/01/constitution-of-nepal-2.pdf
|
2018/04/06
|
|
Netherlands
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Members of the House of Representatives of the States General shall be elected by persons who are Dutch nationals on nomination day and have attained the age of eighteen years on polling day, with the exception of persons who have their actual place of residence in the Netherlands Antilles or Aruba on nomination day.
The members of the Second Chamber shall be elected directly by the Dutch nationals who have attained the age of eighteen, with the exception of any Dutch nationals who may be excluded by Act of Parliament by virtue of the fact that they are not resident in the Netherlands.
Source:
The Constitution of the Kingdom of the Netherlands 2018, Article 54(1) <https://www.government.nl/binaries/government/documenten/reports/2019/02/28/the-constitution-of-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands/WEB_119406_Grondwet_Koninkrijk_ENG.pdf> and
Act of 28 September 1989 containing new provisions governing the franchise and elections (Elections Act), Ch. B, Section B1 <http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/Netherlands/Netherlands_Elections%20Act_1989am2009.pdf>
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Netherlands Antilles
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2006/11/21
|
|
New Caledonia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is considered to be a civic duty, but no penalty applies to those who choose not to vote.
Source:
Electoral Code, Article L.11.
|
2003/11/28
|
|
New Zealand
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is not compulsory, but all electors are required to register in the Parliamentary Electoral Roll. If a person knowingly and willfully fails to apply for registration, s/he can be convicted with a $100 fine on the first conviction ($200 on subsequent convictions).
A person is prevented from registering if they are currently in prison serving a term of more than three years, currently in a hospital under a criminal justice order relating to mental health for three or more years, found guilty of a corrupt electoral practice in the last three years, a citizen who has not been in New Zealand in the last three years, and/or a permanent resident who has not been in New Zealand within the last 12 months.
Source:
Electoral Act 1993, Art. 82 :
https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0087/latest/whole.html#DLM308853
|
2024/07/02
|
|
Nicaragua
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Vote is universal, equal, direct, free and secret; it can be exercised at the age of 16.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 51:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016);
Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 30:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
|
2016/06/07
|
|
Niger
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution (2010), art. 7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/NE/niger-constitution-2010/
|
2017/02/01
|
|
Nigeria
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution 1999 (as amended), art. 77 (2): http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=179202 (2013);
Electoral Act 2010, art. 12 (1): http://www.inecnigeria.org/downloads/?did=5 (2013)
|
2015/03/30
|
|
Niue
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
No provision for compulsory voting. There is a provision for a compulsory registration.
Source:
Constitution; Niue Assembly Act 1966, as amended, Art. 14.
|
2014/06/23
|
|
Northern Mariana Islands
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
https://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/downloads/CEC_Regulation.pdf
|
2024/12/11
|
|
Norway
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, Art 50.
|
2017/05/19
|
|
Oman
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (2019) (Consultative Council)" Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf
|
2025/05/02
|
|
Pakistan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
No reference that mandates compulsory voting.
Source:
Election Act including 2023 amendments: https://ecp.gov.pk/storage/files/2/Elections%20Act%202017%20updated/Updated%20Elections%20Act%202017-231011-105435.pdf
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Pakistan_2017
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Palau
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voters are provided the right to vote if qualified. There are no provisions for compulsory voting in the Constitution or the electoral law.
Source:
Cosntitution; Voting Rights Act of 1981 as amended (23 PNCA).
|
2016/11/04
|
|
Palestine
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Palestinian Basic Law, art. 26 (3): http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013);
Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 28: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
|
2013/04/08
|
|
Panama
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Voting is considered a civic duty, but no sanctions are imposed to voters who do not vote.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 135: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 6: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
|
2024/12/05
|
|
Papua New Guinea
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 50: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
|
2017/03/16
|
|
Paraguay
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
b) Voting is compulsory, as well as it is being on the voter's register, and is regulated in both the Consitution and the electoral law.
Source:
Constitution: Constitución Nacional de la República del Paraguay, art. 118:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PY/constitucion/Paraguay%20%281992%29.pdf/ (1992)
Electoral Law: Código Electoral Paraguayo (Ley 834/96), art. 4:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PY/paraguay-codigo-electoral-2014/ (2014)
|
2023/03/16
|
|
Peru
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Compulsory until 70 years of age.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política del Perú”, art. 31: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/peru-constitucion-politica-2019/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley 26859, orgánica de elecciones”, art. 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/peru-ley-26859-organica-elecciones-2019/
|
2020/01/28
|
|
Philippines
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
The Electoral Code specifies that it shall be the obligation of every citizen qualified to vote to register and cast his vote.
Source:
The Omnibus Election Code ("Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, s. 1985"), Article 1, Sec. 4:http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/OmnibusElectionCode/OECArt1 (2019)
|
2019/05/02
|
|
Pitcairn Islands
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
"11. The following persons being of or over the age of eighteen years shall be qualified to vote—
(a) [every person who has the right of abode on Pitcairn, who at the time of the elections is normally resident on the Island and has been so resident for a continuous period of not less than one year, and who intends to remain on the Island indefinitely;
(b) every person who at the time of the elections is
ualification of voters."
Source:
Laws of Pitcairn Chapter XI Local Government Ordinance, Part II, Article 11
http://www.government.pn/Laws/Cap%2011%20-%20Local%20Government%20Ordinance.pdf
|
2019/11/05
|
|
Poland
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
If, no later than on the day of vote, he has attained 18 years of age, a Polish citizen shall have the right to participate in a referendum and the right to vote for the President of the Republic of Poland as well as representatives to the Sejm and Senate and organs of local self-government.
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 2nd April, 1997, as amended in 2009, article 62: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Poland_2009
|
2024/11/13
|
|
Portugal
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 49:
1. Every citizen who has attained the age of eighteen years has the right to vote, subject to the incapacities provided for in the general law.
2. The right to vote shall be exercised personally and constitutes a civic duty.
Source:
Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, Seventh Revision [2005], Article 49: https://www.parlamento.pt/sites/EN/Parliament/Documents/Constitution7th.pdf
|
2024/10/26
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
The laws shall guarantee the expression of the will of the people by means of equal, direct, secret and universal suffrage, which can be exercised at the age of 18. There is no provision or rule into the Law about compulsory vote.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. II (s. 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ;
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 2.2, 5.1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
|
2020/11/03
|
|
Qatar
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 42: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Romania
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is a right, not a duty.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of Romania, amended in 2003, art. 36.https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Romania_2003?lang=en
|
2020/08/22
|
|
Russian Federation
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Participation of citizens in elections is voluntary. Nobody shall compel a citizen to participate or refrain from participating in elections or shall infringe on free expression of their will.
Source:
Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, art. 1: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
|
2024/03/22
|
|
Rwanda
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is an obligation to every Rwandan who fulfills the requirements.
Source:
Loi organique n°03/2010/OL et loi n°27/2010 relative aux élections (2010), art. 47: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/RW/rwanda-organic-law-nb0-17-2003-of-07-07-2003/
|
2018/11/02
|
|
Réunion
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2006/11/21
|
|
Saint Helena
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2006/11/21
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Article 29, Constitution
|
2020/04/15
|
|
Saint Lucia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
a) Citizens must be registered to be entitled to vote.
Source:
Elections Act.
|
2011/08/03
|
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Subject to the provisions of this Act or of any written law imposing any disqualification for registration as a voter, every person, who has attained the age of eighteen years or upwards, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter in a constituency for the purpose of electing a representative for that constituency if, on the qualifying date.
Source:
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Electoral Law, art. 5: https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Electoral/StVincent/StV&Gr.html
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Samoa
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
Compulsory registration of voters: A person qualified under section 14 to be registered as a voter, must if that person is in Samoa, apply in the prescribed form to the Commissioner for registration as a voter within 1 months after the date upon which he or she turns 21 years old provided that if the person turns 21 years old on or before polling day, the person must apply for registration before the date fixed by the Commissioner for temporary closure of rolls under section 33 (1)
Source:
The Electoral Law, Article 13: https://www.palemene.ws/wp-content/uploads/Electoral-Act-2019-Eng.pdf (2021)
|
2021/04/09
|
|
San Marino
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 7, (Available on the Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm)
|
2012/05/28
|
|
Sao Tome and Principe
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
All citizens of more than eighteen years have the right of suffrage, excepting incompetence as provided in the general law
IDEA List of Compulsory Voting Countries: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voter-turnout/compulsory-voting (Sao Tome and Principe)
Source:
Constitution, Art. 57: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_2003.pdf?lang=en
|
2021/06/18
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
g. Not applicable
|
There are no provisions for direct national elections, since it is the King who appoints the members of the Shura Council. Only municipal elections are held in Saudi Arabia.
Source:
Shura Council Law: http://www.shura.gov.sa/wps/wcm/connect/ShuraEn/internet/Laws+and+Regulations/The+Shura+Council+and+the+rules+and+regulations+job/Shura+Council+Law/ (2012);
The Basic Law of Governance: http://www.boe.gov.sa/ViewSystemDetails.aspx?lang=en&SystemID=4 (2012)
|
2012/08/20
|
|
Senegal
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution 2012, art. 3 (4): http://www.assemblee-nationale.sn/images/stories/PDF/constitution_du_senegal.pdf (2013);
English: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Senegal_2009?lang=en (2017)
Electoral Code 2012, art. L.26, L.27: http://www.elections2012.sn/images/stories/CE2012.pdf (2017)
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Serbia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
No one shall have the right to prevent or force a citizen to vote, to take a citizen to account for voting or failure to vote, or to demand a voter to declare for whom he/she has voted or why he/she has not voted
Source:
Electoral Law: Law on Election of Members of Parliament, art. 4.
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/RS/serbia-law-on-elections-of-representatives-updated/view
|
2022/07/06
|
|
Seychelles
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
a) The words "is entitled" are used therefore implying that registration and voting is not compulsory but voluntary.
Source:
Elections Act(1996). Part II (1)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-electoral-act-1996/view
|
2025/02/27
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every citizen of Sierra Leone being eighteen years of age and above and of sound mind shall have the right to vote, and accordingly shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections and referenda. Constitution, art. 31
Source:
Constitution (2012), art. 31: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SL/sierra-leone-constitution-2008/;
The Public Elections Act (2012), art. 15: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SL/sierra-leone-the-public-elections-act-2012-1/
|
2024/12/06
|
|
Singapore
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
43/26. 2. The Returning Officer shall, at the close of each election, prepare a list of the numbers, names and descriptions as stated in the register of electors of such electors as have failed to vote at the election and certify the list under his hand.
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act, Art. 43: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Presidential Elections Act, Art. 26: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-president-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Slovakia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Method of voting
(1) An elector may vote in the territory of the Slovak Republic:
a) in the polling district in whose electoral register he or she is registered, or
b) in another polling district on the basis of a voting certificate, except for a polling district established pursuant to
section 12(4).
Source:
On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic (2004), Part 6, Section 27(1)
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/4419
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Slovenia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
the National Assembly Elections Act: art. 7: Every citizen of the Republic of Slovenia who has reached the age of 18 by the Election Day and has not been declared legally incompetent shall have the right to vote and to be elected as a deputy.
Source:
The National Assembly Elections Act, art. 7
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SI/national-assembly-elections-act/view
|
2017/03/30
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Constitution, Art. 56 (1):Any person who is registered as an elector in any constituency shall be entitled
to vote in such manner as may be prescribed at any election for that
constituency unless..
National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act: Art. 7 (1): No person shall vote at an election unless he is entitled to do so by section 56 of the Constitution.
Constitution.
Source:
Constitution (2014): https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Solomon_Islands_2014.pdf?lang=en
Amendment 2018: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/SB/solomon-islands-constitution-amendment-2018
National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act (2010 Consolidated Version),http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/SB/solomon-islands-national-parliament-electoral-3/view
|
2019/02/28
|
|
Somalia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Transitional Constitution of 2012, Art. 22: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SO/somalia-provisional-constitution-of-2012/view
|
2016/11/25
|
|
South Africa
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
No reference to be found in the constitution
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (as amended to 2023): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ZA/south-africa-electoral-act-2010/view
|
2014/05/01
|
|
South Sudan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
(1) Every citizen shall have the right to take part in any level of government directly or through freely chosen representative, and shall have the right to nominate himself or herself or be nominated for a public post or office in accordance with this Constitution and the law. (2) Every citizen shall have the right to vote or be elected in accordance with this Constitution and the law.
Source:
Transitional Constitution 2011, art. 26: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4e269a3e2.html%C2%A0 (2012);
National Elections Act 2012, art. 33, 34: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SS/south-sudan-the-national-elections-act-no.-39-of/view
|
2021/06/02
|
|
Spain
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
The law openly says that no one can be forced to vote.
Source:
Constitution: "Constitución Española", art. 23:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 5:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
|
2025/04/01
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
a) There is no provision in the Constitution or in the Electoral Law specifying that voting at national level is compulsory.
Source:
Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LK/sri-lanka-constitution-as-amended-up-to-9/at_download/file
The Parliamentary Elections Act 1981: https://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/presidential_election_act.pdf
|
2016/02/04
|
|
Sudan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
The Interim National Constitution of 2005, art. 23 (2, f): http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4ba749762.html (2012)
|
2012/08/31
|
|
Suriname
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 57: http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Suriname/english.html (2012);
Electoral Law of 1987, Art. 3: http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Electoral/Sur/suriname.html (2012)
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Swaziland
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
|
2012/02/24
|
|
Sweden
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
The Instrument of Government, Ch. 3, Art. 4: Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Start/Bestall/Sprakversioner/English---engelska1/Sveriges-grundlagar-och-riksdagsordningen1/ (2012)
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. Voting is voluntary
d. Voting is compulsory within certain regions of the country
|
a) With the only exception of the canton of Schaffhausen where voting is compulsory.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 39, 136: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014)
Election Law of Schaffhausen (Gesetz über die vom Volke vorzunehmenden Abstimmungen und Wahlen sowie über die Ausübung der Volksrechte
(Wahlgesetz) )Art. 9: http://rechtsbuch.sh.ch/fileadmin/Redaktoren/Dokumente/gesetzestexte/Band_1/160.100.pdf (2014)
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Syrian Arab Republic
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
|
2014/06/02
|
|
Taiwan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Central Election Commission
https://www.cec.gov.tw/english/cms/cecenes
|
2020/04/13
|
|
Tajikistan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Participation in elections is free and voluntary.
Source:
Constitutional Law On Elections to the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, amended as of July 26, 2014, article 3.
|
2025/02/17
|
|
Tanzania, United Republic of
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 5 (1): http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/Tanzania_Constitution.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/12
|
|
Thailand
|
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Voting is compulsory. The person who fails to attend an election for voting without notifying the appropriate cause of such failure shall receive or lose such rights.
Source:
Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 50 (7): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
International IDEA Voter Turnout Database Compulsory Voting https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voter-turnout-database/compulsory-voting
|
2023/10/04
|
|
Timor-Leste
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, article 46-47: https://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Constitution_RDTL_ENG.pdf
Law no. 6/2011, Law on the Election of the National Parliament, article 4:: https://mj.gov.tl/jornal/lawsTL/RDTL-Law/RDTL-Laws/Law%20no.%207_2011%20Second%20Amendment%20to%20Law%2062006%20of%20December%20%20Law%20on%20the%20Election%20of%20the%20National%20Parliament.pdf
|
2024/10/02
|
|
Togo
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Electoral Code No. 2000-07 as amended, art. 2: http://www.ifes.org/~/media/Files/Publications/Election%20Law/2005/IFES_19/EL00062.pdf (2013);
Constitution, art. 5: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,LEGAL,,LEGISLATION,TGO,456d621e2,48ef43c72,0.html (2013)
|
2013/01/03
|
|
Tokelau
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
National Elections Rules 2013
http://www.paclii.org/tk/legis/consol_act_2016/ner2013241/
|
2020/01/22
|
|
Tonga
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of Tonga, Art. 64: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021).
|
2021/09/13
|
|
Trinidad and Tobago
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
International IDEA Voter Turnout Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voter-turnout/compulsory-voting
|
2021/11/23
|
|
Tunisia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
There are no provisions for compulsory voting. Suffrage is to be universal, free, direct, secret, fair and transparent.
Source:
Organic Law n° 2014-16 of 26 May 2014 on Elections and Referenda, art. 2: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/TN/tunisia-organic-law-on-elections-and-referenda/view (2014).
|
2019/08/05
|
|
Turkey
|
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
|
Those people who abstain from casting their votes, although they are registered as voters and eligible for casting their vote, without justified excuse in parliamentary general or mid-term elections shall be punished with a fine of ten thousand Turkish liras. This provision is definitive.
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 63: http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/1310/file/bbf6e67f60e5492350474eaa9e9a.pdf
|
2016/01/21
|
|
Turkmenistan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
The citizens of Turkmenistan, who attained the age of 18, shall have the right to vote; each voter shall have one vote.
Source:
Constitution of Turkmenistan (2016), Article 120: http://www.osce.org/odihr/262336?download=true.
|
2013/03/05
|
|
Turks and Caicos Islands
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution: “The Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands”, Section 55: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-constitution-2014/ ;
International IDEA Voter Turnout Database: http://www.idea.int/data/voter-turnout/compulsory_voting
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Tuvalu
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Constitution provides for the right to vote (every person who is registered as an elector for Parliamentary elections in an electoral district is entitled to vote) although it does not specify that it is voluntary. The Electoral Provisions Ordinance notes however, that 'every elector desiring to record his vote shall present himself to the presiding officer at the polling station at which he is entitled to vote...' which indicates the voluntary nature of voting.
Source:
Constitution of Tuvalu, art. 90; Electoral Provisions (Parliament) Act as amended, art. 21
|
2012/06/19
|
|
Uganda
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every citizen of 18 years of age or above has a right (but not an obligation) to vote.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, art. 59 (1): http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/Constitution_1995.pdf (201);
Parliamentary Elections Act as amended in 2010, art. 29 (4)
http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/parliamentary%20election%20Act%202005.pdf
|
2016/02/29
|
|
Ukraine
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Participation of Ukrainian citizens in national elections shall be
voluntary. No one may be obliged to participate or not the election.
Source:
The Law on Elections of People's Deputies of Ukraine (last amended in 2019), article 5
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/en/4061-17
Law on Elections of the President of Ukraine, art. 5: http://www.cvk.gov.ua/metod/kultura/npa/zn_pro_vybory_pu.doc (2014).
|
2019/03/11
|
|
United Arab Emirates
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
IPU Parline Database: http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2333.htm (2012)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/United_Arab_Emirates_2009?lang=en
|
2019/09/25
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Representation of the People Act 1983, Part 1, Article 1(1-2): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2
The Electoral Commission, "Which elections can you vote in?," https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/which-elections-can-i-vote
|
2025/06/12
|
|
United States of America
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
The United States Constitution says that voting is a right and a privilege.
Source:
U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view ;
https://www.usa.gov/voting-laws
|
2024/10/01
|
|
Uruguay
|
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
|
Source:
Constitution: Constitución de la República de Uruguay, art. 77 https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/UY/uruguay-constitucion-de-la-republica-2004-vigente/view (2004).
|
2024/12/18
|
|
Uzbekistan
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Article 128: Citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall have the right to elect and be elected to the representative bodies of state authority. Every elector shall have one vote. The right to vote, equality and freedom of expression of will shall be guaranteed by law.
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chapter 22, Article 117: https://constitution.uz/en/clause/index#section23
|
2024/08/26
|
|
Vanuatu
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
"Most importantly, registration and voting is not compulsory in Vanuatu"
Source:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/294617/lack-of-vanuatu-voter-awareness-irks-commission
|
2025/03/19
|
|
Venezuela
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
According to the Constitution, voting is a right and not an obligation.
Furthermore, the Organic Law regulating the Electoral Processes specifies that no person shall be forced under any circumstances to exercise his/her right to vote.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela”, art. 63: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/VE/venezuela-constitucion-reforma-2009/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica de Procesos Electorales”, art. 126: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/VE/venezuela-ley-organica-procesos-electorales-2009/
|
2020/11/15
|
|
Viet Nam
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Constitution of 1992 as amended, art. 7 (1), 54: http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/Lists/Vn%20bn%20php%20lut/View_Detail.aspx?ItemID=10450 (2016);
Law of 1997 on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly, as amended and supplemented by laws No. 31/2001/QH10 and No: 63/2010/QH12, art. 2:
http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/lists/vn%20bn%20php%20lut/view_detail.aspx?itemid=2526 (2016)
|
2021/03/23
|
|
Virgin Islands, British
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
Voter Turnout By Election Type
Virgin Islands, British. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/301/40
|
2019/02/15
|
|
Virgin Islands, U.S.
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
|
2012/02/24
|
|
Wallis and Futuna
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Voting is considered to be a civic duty, but no penalty applies to those who choose not to vote.
Source:
Electoral Code, Article L.11.
|
2006/11/21
|
|
Western Sahara
|
f. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Yemen
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
General Elections and Referendum Law of 2001, art. 3: http://www.scer.org.ye/english/generalelectionslaw.htm
|
2012/08/22
|
|
Zambia
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
A citizen who has attained the age of eighteen years is entitled
to be registered as a voter and vote in an election by secret ballot.
Source:
Constitution: art. 46
http://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/amendment_act/Constitution%20of%20Zambia%20%20%28Amendment%29,%202016-Act%20No.%202_0.pdf (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Zanzibar
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Source:
The Constitution of Zanzibar, art. 7
Electoral Act No. 11 of 1984 as amended, art. 11, 39 (1)
http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/tz/tz028en.pdf (2016)
http://www.temco.udsm.ac.tz/images/stories/Electral_Laws/ZANZIBAR-ELECTION-ACT-2010.pdf (2016)
|
2016/04/05
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
a. Voting is voluntary
|
Every Zimbabwean citizen who is of or over eighteen years of age has the right to vote in all elections.
Source:
Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013) https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Zimbabwe_2013
|
2023/09/25
|
