The subject of mandatory voting comes up periodically, especially in non-presidential years when turnouts are particularly low. Embarrassingly low for a country that can still give a pretty good lecture to autocrats on the merits of participatory democracy.
In fact, President Barack Obama recently weighed in by referencing universal voting as a way to “counteract money” in its influence on American elections. A seemingly sensible context, actually, at least until a reconstituted Supreme Court overturns Citizens United.
But here’s the real bottom line–and that includes the two dozen countries that have a form of compulsory voting. Unless you can mandate informed voting, this won’t improve the results. If it takes the threat of a fine to motivate voters, you will still get the government you deserve.