The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-06-17
Compulsory Voting.

1t Is well known that the two chambers
composing the Belgian Parliament are now
engaged in the work Of revising the nation
al Constitution. Under the pressure Of the
Radicals and Socialists they have already
reformed the franchise 80 as to make it APP
proach closely to universal suffrage: and
now the Chamber OF Deputies has, by a
large majority. added a provision that
voting shall be compulsory Should this
provision become a part Of their organic
law. the Belgians will undertake political
experiment which will be watched with in
terest by politicians on both sides OF the
Atlantic. with the view OF determining the
expediency of adopting it in their respec-
two countries.
1t is clear that the adoption of the pro-
posal by the popular branch OF the Legis-
lature implies a complete reversal OF the
principle upon which. hitherto. the Bel
gians have dealt with questions relating to
the franchise. Up to this time the exercise
OF the suffrage in that country has been re-
garded as a privilege conceded to only a
small fraction Of the inhabitants. Now. on
tho other hand. 1t is proclaimed to be duty
which Is no less incumbent upon every citl-
zen than that OF jury service. and which. con-
perform The sole exemptions from the obli-
CATION which are allowed by the proposed
amendment to the Constitution are to be for
sickness. debility. and absence from the
country: the qualified voter who. for any
other reason. abstains from exercising the
franchise is to be punished by a fine. or by
some other penalty to DO afterward fixed
by statute.
granted that the provision in question will
inure to their advantage. because it will
prevent the employers Of labor from refus-
ing leave OF absence to their men during
voting hours. II. however. differences drawn
from the experience of other European coun-
tries may be applied to Belgium. neglect to
exercise the suffrage would be more likely to
characterize tho peasant proprietors and ag-
ricultural laborers than the urban proleta-
Tiat. The Belgian Radicals also assume that,
II they can force voters to approach the bal
lot box. they can there exercise moro in
duence upon them than would be possible
In their own homes. 1t Is doubtful whether
this assumption is well founded. provided
adequate precautions are taken against in
tmidation. voter forced to the ballot
box Is quite as likely to be sullen and
logged as to evince an open and plastic |
frame Of mind. But. on the WHOLE it seems |
most probable that. where citizens are COM |
pelled to vote. they will give their ballot to |
the party for which they habitually feel |
most sympathy. 80 that the practical |
question In Belgium or in any other coun-
try would be. which OF the political parties
eommonly suffers most through the alb
stention OF Its members from the ballot box
The effect OF compulsory voting In Italy
would undoubtedly be injurious. IL not dis
astrous. TO the present monarchical regime.
AS rule. In that country. the qualified
electors who refuse or neglect 10 exercise
the franchise. constitute about one half OF
the whole number, The greater part OF
these abstainers are believed to be Jealous
catholics. who abstain in obedience to the
Papal Injunction neither to vote. nor let
themselves be voted for. In the Italian par
hamentary elections. II these electors
were forced by fines or other penalties to go
TO the ballot box. they might dislocate the
whole machinery OF Government, by re-
turning to the Chamber OF Deputies large
body OF members avowedly hostile to the
6avoyard dynasty.
Curious. too. would have been the results
OF compulsory voting In England. had such