South Australia was the most progressive with adult male suffrage and one person, one vote. The franchise in Australian elections is available to any person of at least 18 years old, who is an Australian citizen, with some residential requirements, and with some exclusions. Australia is one of only a few countries in the world, and the only English-speaking country to adopt compulsory enrolment of voters and compulsory voting. Voting in Australia is not just a civic duty but an obligation backed by sanction. Enrolment on the national electoral roll has been compulsory since 1911, and voters have been compelled to attend polling booths for national elections since 1925.
Similar compulsion applies to all State elections.
However, no person can be compelled to vote by marking the ballot paper. A monetary fine applies to people who do not have their names marked off the electoral roll without approved exemption.