A Canadian Liberal party senator is proposing legislation that would require all eligible voters to cast ballots or face a fine.
The legislation by Sen. Mac Harb also proposes to have the ballot offer a "none of the candidates" option, the Toronto Sun reported Saturday.
"Despite its name, mandatory voting will actually enhance Canadians' rights," Harb said in a statement. "Low turnout rates disenfranchise the most vulnerable in our country and this legislation will boost the legitimacy and efficacy of our democratic institutions."
In Canada's 2004 federal election voter turnout was about 61 percent.
Conservative Member of Parliament Scott Reid said in Australia, where he once lived, even the threat of fine does not ensure 100 percent voter compliance.
"Unless you're going to have very, very punitive fines, the cost of administering the fines is actually quite high," he said.
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