B2 – Upper intermediate
There are currently 32 countries with compulsory voting around the world. They include Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Singapore, Cyprus, Greece, and others. Of these 32 countries, 12 aggressively enforce their mandatory voting laws with penalties of varying kinds, including nominal penalties and small fees of as low as $15 and the deprivation of government services or the freezing of one’s bank account.
Listen to this podcast to know more about exercising our right to vote:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-150813
Discussion Questions:
1. Are you a voter? Why is important to vote? Should it be made compulsory?
2. Does compulsory voting contradict the concept of free will?
3. Do you agree with some people who choose not to vote as a form of political expression?