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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsElectionsVoter TurnoutDemocracyElectoral reformCivic DutyMandatory Voting•••Started 4mos agoActive 2wks ago

Should every eligible citizen be legally required to vote in national elections?

This issue debates the Australian model of democracy, where failing to vote results in a small fine. Canada currently battles declining voter turnout, often dipping below 60% in provincial or municipal elections. Proponents argue that if everyone votes, the government creates policy that reflects the needs of the average citizen rather than just the motivated base of political junkies. Opponents argue that democratic freedom implies the freedom to disengage, and that an uninformed vote cast solely to avoid a fine is worse than no vote at all.

Answer Overview

Response rates from 357 Canada voters.

37%
Yes
63%
No
34%
Yes
44%
No
2%
Yes, it forces politicians to appeal to the moderate middle rather than just their radicalized base.
8%
No, the right to vote includes the right to abstain.
1%
Yes, legitimate democracy requires maximum participation.
7%
No, forcing uninterested people to vote results in random, uninformed decisions.
4%
No, politicians must earn my vote, not rely on state coercion.

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 357 Canada voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 357 Canada voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Canada voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @BBGQBW2from Alberta  answered…4mos4MO

Yes, Legitimate democracy requires maximum participation and exposes politicians to a larger political middle ground class. The real issue is a lot of polling stations are hard to get to if you don't own a car or your voting block is gerrymandered frequently.

 @9DRYGB6 from Ontario  answered…2wks2W

no we should reform the electoral system instead

 @BBH9CXFfrom Ontario  answered…4mos4MO

Voting standards should apply. Only those above 90 IQ should qualify. Or those able to pass an "informed voter" test.

 @BBDSHS4from Nova Scotia  answered…4mos4MO

I think that this would be a helpful and important law, because it would encourage citizens to learn more about the political state of the country. however, this may cause some citizens to rush voting, to avoid being fined.

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 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…2yrs2Y

Should the government incentivize the construction of affordable housing?

Yes

▲  2.7k3 replies2 agree

About This Data

Based on 357 responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

iSideWith is non-partisan — we don't advocate for any party, candidate, or position. We report what the public tells us.

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Cite This Poll

iSideWith. (2026). “Should every eligible citizen be legally required to vote in national elections?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 25, 2026, from https://canada.isidewith.com/polls/5545915024

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