The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has recommended that Andy Burnham introduce compulsory voting, pointing to countries where the practice is enforced with harsh penalties.
In its report What is the Left For?, the think tank argues that left-wing political parties are "experiencing an existential crisis" and must "offer voters a cause" to win elections and restore faith in politics.
Reciprocism and reforms
The IPPR, whose alumni include David Miliband, Liz Kendall and Miatta Fahnbulleh, advocates for what it calls "reciprocism". This approach means the state should do more for people while expecting more from them.
Proposals include requiring citizens to vote or take an active part in community life or policymaking. Other recommendations involve reconstructing spaces and institutions that unite people, regulating social media, establishing a citizens' wealth fund, and imposing strict caps on political donations.
The report also criticises other progressive organisations, such as the Tony Blair Institute, for "flirting" with "oligarchs and undermining the left's fight".
Quote from IPPR director
Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director at IPPR, said: "Reciprocism is a political project capable of beating the new right, reforming the old status quo, and giving people a genuine stake in society."
He added: "People do not just want politics to deliver things to them. They want power over the forces shaping their lives. They want a stake in the wealth they help create. They want places where common life is possible. They want to belong to a country that asks something of them and gives something back."
Where compulsory voting exists and punishments
- Argentina: Enforced (voluntary for ages 16–18 and over 70).
- Australia: Strictly enforced with fines.
- Belgium: Enforced; penalties remain on the books and can affect public sector employment.
- Bolivia: Heavily enforced; non-voters can be barred from withdrawing salary from banks for up to three months.
- Brazil: Enforced (voluntary for illiterate citizens, ages 16–18, and over 70).
- Chile: Reintroduced in 2023 after voluntary voting; actively enforced.
- Ecuador: Enforced (voluntary for ages 16–18, over 65, and active military/police).
- Liechtenstein: Enforced with minor fines.
- Luxembourg: Enforced (voluntary for over 75 or away from municipality).
- Nauru: Enforced with fines.
- Peru: Enforced; stamped voting card often required for public services for months after election.
- Samoa: Legally enforced since 2021 general elections.
- Singapore: Enforced; non-voters struck from register, must pay fee or give reason to be reinstated.
- Thailand: Enforced; non-voters lose certain political rights like running for office.
- Turkey: Enforced with small fines.
- Uruguay: Enforced with fines.
