The history of compulsory voting in Europe: democracy's duty?

Is voting out of fashion? Does it matter if voters don't show up at the polls?

If yes, is legal enforcement of voting compatible with democracy?

These are just a few of the questions linked to the thorny problem of electoral abstention.

This book addresses the hot question whether there is a duty to vote and if this is enforceable in the form of compulsory voting.

Divided into two parts, Anthoula Malkopoulou begins by expertly presenting the importance of compulsory voting today, situating the debate within the contemporary discussion on liberty, equality and democracy.

Then, she questions the historical origins of the idea in Europe.

In particular, she examines parliamentary discussions and other primary sources from France and Greece, including a few additional insights from other countries like Switzerland and Belgium.