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100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting
A timely and paradigm-shifting argument that all members of a democracy must participate in elections, by a leading political expert and Washington Post journalist Americans are required to pay taxes, serve on juries, get their kids vaccinated, get driver’s licenses, and sometimes go to war for their country. So why not ask—or require—every American to vote?
In 100% Democracy, E.J. Dionne and Miles Rapoport argue that universal participation in our elections should be a cornerstone of our system. It would be the surest way to protect against voter suppression and the active disenfranchisement of a large share of our citizens. And it would create a system true to the Declaration of Independence’s aspirations by calling for a government based on the consent of all of the governed.
It’s not as radical or utopian as it in Australia, where everyone is required to vote (Australians can vote “none of the above,” but they have to show up), 91.9 percent of Australians voted in the last major election in 2019, versus 60.1 percent in America’s 2016 presidential race. Australia hosts voting-day parties and actively celebrates this key civic duty.
It is time for the United States to take a major leap forward and recognize voting as both a fundamental civil right and a solemn civic duty required of every eligible U.S. citizen.
In 100% Democracy, E.J. Dionne and Miles Rapoport argue that universal participation in our elections should be a cornerstone of our system. It would be the surest way to protect against voter suppression and the active disenfranchisement of a large share of our citizens. And it would create a system true to the Declaration of Independence’s aspirations by calling for a government based on the consent of all of the governed.
It’s not as radical or utopian as it in Australia, where everyone is required to vote (Australians can vote “none of the above,” but they have to show up), 91.9 percent of Australians voted in the last major election in 2019, versus 60.1 percent in America’s 2016 presidential race. Australia hosts voting-day parties and actively celebrates this key civic duty.
It is time for the United States to take a major leap forward and recognize voting as both a fundamental civil right and a solemn civic duty required of every eligible U.S. citizen.
- GenresPoliticsNonfictionLaw
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 22, 2022
8 people are currently reading
1302 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Dionne Jr.
29 books123 followersEugene Joseph "E. J." Dionne, Jr. is an American journalist and political commentator, and a long-time op-ed columnist for The Washington Post. He is also a Senior Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, a University Professor in the Foundations of Democracy and Culture at the McCourt School of Public Policy, a Senior Research Fellow at Saint Anselm College, and an NPR, MSNBC, and PBS commentator.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 24, 2022
I love the genre of the short argument, the case for a particular idea whose time has not yet come. That's the subject of 100% Democracy, which states that we should require participation in U.S. elections. That doesn't mean a requirement to vote for a particular candidate—you could leave the ballot blank or vote "none of the above" or state a conscientious objection. The fine for not voting would be low and extinguished through minor community service. But making voting a civic duty, as it is in two dozen countries, would likely not inspire protest but participation, and make our democracy far more representative. That's the case and the authors make it simply, forthrightly, and in a compelling manner.
July 1, 2022
In all honesty I went into this book expecting to completely disagree, but it convinced me! I appreciate the reality checks it sets about an actual way to implement universal civic duty voting, with arguments that appeal to different age groups and political affiliations.
March 27, 2022
An eye-opener for me. I had never thought about universal civic duty voting. This book outlines its importance in safeguarding the vote, preventing disenfranchisement. A brief, powerful look at existing cases __ voting Australia is like a party __ and successful critique of counter-arguments.
November 26, 2023
I am completely onboard with universal civic duty voting and look forward to this being a topic that becomes more prevalent in the years (possibly decades) to come. The book to me was a bit too academic. I thought the arguments were good, but repetitive and not detailed enough.
July 17, 2022
I really liked this book. for it states here is the problem, here is an excellent solution and here is how to get to that solution. we need universal voting.
March 27, 2022
I got more out of this book than I thought I would--I was skeptical because it was so short, but they actually do cram in a lot of information that I wasn't familiar with. I appreciated that they shared case studies from other countries who have experimented with "civic duty voting" (their framework that covers mandatory participation in elections, not mandatory voting), though I would have been interested to hear more details about why it hasn't worked in other countries as well as it has in Australia, and what we can learn from the less successful attempts at universal voting. I also appreciated that they touched on the potential legal challenges to this work, as well as the equity concerns about what it means to require participation when our system already does not serve many people very well and isn't accessible.
Of course the biggest immediate hurdle isn't legal, it's one of persuasion and mobilization--where is the movement to make that happen? That isn't really covered in this book--maybe that'll be their next.
Of course the biggest immediate hurdle isn't legal, it's one of persuasion and mobilization--where is the movement to make that happen? That isn't really covered in this book--maybe that'll be their next.
December 19, 2021
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an interesting book that dives into the world of universal voting.
Dionne highlights the history of voting and countries that require their citizens to vote. By focusing on universal voting Dionne presents us with a vision of 100% participation in voting. We see case studies of countries that require their citizens to vote, either by incentivizing them to vote or penalizing them if they don't. The book talks about what different options look like and how they can be applied to the US. The book also talks about the potential downsides of the system while also talking about what needs to happen at every level of government to make 100% eligible voter participation a reality.
A very interesting read in troubling times.
This is an interesting book that dives into the world of universal voting.
Dionne highlights the history of voting and countries that require their citizens to vote. By focusing on universal voting Dionne presents us with a vision of 100% participation in voting. We see case studies of countries that require their citizens to vote, either by incentivizing them to vote or penalizing them if they don't. The book talks about what different options look like and how they can be applied to the US. The book also talks about the potential downsides of the system while also talking about what needs to happen at every level of government to make 100% eligible voter participation a reality.
A very interesting read in troubling times.
September 24, 2023
I heard the authors speak about the book and subject on the Al Franken podcast. Universal voting seems like such a great idea and one that has worked in other countries for many years. Voting can be likened to jury duty or draft registration, a citizen's obligation. This book provides many examples, tables, and statistics to support the idea, which was touted by President Obama in 2015. Universal voting would make successful candidates appeal to all voters, not just their "base." There are a number of steps if the U.S. were to ever get to this point, but I think that this is an idea with much value.
"The participation of the young is held down by rules and requirements that are easier for older and more geographically settled Americans to follow and meet." (xxxvi)
"Yes, Australia's system works. A requirement that everyone has to vote leads not to a dour, eat-your-peas mood but to a festive celebration of democracy and its capacity to draw a nation together in saluting self-rule" (42) [Election day in Australia, which has had mandatory voting for 100 years, is on a Saturday and often includes BBQ at poling places. It is like a party. The U.S. also learned the secret ballot from Australia.]
In Australia, federal elections are generally held every three years, always on a Saturday. They have early voting and vote-by-mail. They also have mobile voting teams for residents who live in remote areas or are in nursing homes, hospitals, or prisons. Citizens can vote at any polling place in their home state or territory. The Australian Election Commission hosts a website with interactive ballots. Political parties also distribute preference cards to supporters. (Chapter 4)
Where civic duty voting is currently used: Argentina; Australia; Belgium; Bolivia; Brazil; Bulgaria; Costa Rica; Dem. Rep. of the Congo; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; Gabon; Honduras; Gujarat, Karnataka, India (local elections only); Liechtenstein; Luxembourg; Mexico; Nauru; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Samoa; Singapore; Schaffhausen, Switzerland; Thailand; Turkey; Uruguay. (56)
"The bottom line from evidence: where it has been introduced, universal civic duty voting has largely achieved its purpose of expanding turnout and creating a far more representative electorate." (65)
"The more inclusive electorate that universal civic voting would create will better represent the popular will." (108)
"What the Federal Government Should Do:
Enact Legislation Adopting Universal Civic Duty Voting for All Federal Elections;
Restore and Update the Voting Rights Act:
Strengthen Federal Authority to Set Standards and Modernize Election Administration;
Mandate Employers to Give Employees Paid Time Off for Voting and Civic Participation" (headings from 134-136) [A point is made that if either federal, state, or local governments put civic duty voting into place, the other jurisdictions will likely follow.]
"The participation of the young is held down by rules and requirements that are easier for older and more geographically settled Americans to follow and meet." (xxxvi)
"Yes, Australia's system works. A requirement that everyone has to vote leads not to a dour, eat-your-peas mood but to a festive celebration of democracy and its capacity to draw a nation together in saluting self-rule" (42) [Election day in Australia, which has had mandatory voting for 100 years, is on a Saturday and often includes BBQ at poling places. It is like a party. The U.S. also learned the secret ballot from Australia.]
In Australia, federal elections are generally held every three years, always on a Saturday. They have early voting and vote-by-mail. They also have mobile voting teams for residents who live in remote areas or are in nursing homes, hospitals, or prisons. Citizens can vote at any polling place in their home state or territory. The Australian Election Commission hosts a website with interactive ballots. Political parties also distribute preference cards to supporters. (Chapter 4)
Where civic duty voting is currently used: Argentina; Australia; Belgium; Bolivia; Brazil; Bulgaria; Costa Rica; Dem. Rep. of the Congo; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; Gabon; Honduras; Gujarat, Karnataka, India (local elections only); Liechtenstein; Luxembourg; Mexico; Nauru; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Samoa; Singapore; Schaffhausen, Switzerland; Thailand; Turkey; Uruguay. (56)
"The bottom line from evidence: where it has been introduced, universal civic duty voting has largely achieved its purpose of expanding turnout and creating a far more representative electorate." (65)
"The more inclusive electorate that universal civic voting would create will better represent the popular will." (108)
"What the Federal Government Should Do:
Enact Legislation Adopting Universal Civic Duty Voting for All Federal Elections;
Restore and Update the Voting Rights Act:
Strengthen Federal Authority to Set Standards and Modernize Election Administration;
Mandate Employers to Give Employees Paid Time Off for Voting and Civic Participation" (headings from 134-136) [A point is made that if either federal, state, or local governments put civic duty voting into place, the other jurisdictions will likely follow.]
December 18, 2022
A couple Harvard alumni produce a book that somehow was less informative than a summary of the same topic the Harvard Law Review covered in 2007. I came across this book in my quest to dive deeper into universal voting, only to find a shallow advocacy for the practice. While the book is short, "The Case for Compulsory Voting in the United States" is a much shorter. Spanning about 20 pages, and carries about all the relavant information you need in regard to the advocacy and implementation of this policy.
The book begins with filler from the start. Grasping at relavency by trying to tie the 2020 election as a great case for why we need universal voting. The argument is around the sharp increase of early and mail-in voters and how it is a positive boon for our democracy. Meanwhile, Republican led states engaged in the usual voter purges and ID requirements. The first figure presented in the book is a mish mash of data. Highlighting the number of states who proposed voter reforms. On the list: voter ID, online voter reg. election day reg, early in-person voting, etc. No accounts of how many of these passed, nor differentiating the restricting reforms from the expansions. Making for a useless filler of a table. The first two chapters on 2020 leave behind more questions than answers as to why universal voting is the solution.
Attempts to address the critiques of universal voting are toothless. The preceding chapter highlighted two concerns that are widely shared amongst people that are against civic duty voting: 1. people have a right not to participate in elections. 2. There are already too many government taxes and fines. The first is easy to answer. It is easy to make a policy where people send in a blank ballot, have a "none of the above" option like nevada, or have some objection form. The second question IS ENTIRELY IGNORED. I don't blame them, it is the harder of the two concerns to address. The Brennan Center estimates sending out mail-in ballots to all voters would cost $.9-$1.2 Billion. In addition, The Brennan Center advocated for the government to allocate $4 Billion to adequately prepare for voting during the pandemic. I have no doubt the authors are aware of these figures given that the referened The Brennan Center in the book. Needless to say, I am more pursuaded against Universal Voting after their persuasion "attempts."
To be fair, the book does a good job at covering universal voting among other countries and how enforcement strategies impact turnout. The book also does not shy away from the shocking data of how wildly unpopular compulsory voting is among Americans. The strongest points of this book certaintly are the new datapoints they bring to the conversation. For this, the book deserves at least two stars.
The book begins with filler from the start. Grasping at relavency by trying to tie the 2020 election as a great case for why we need universal voting. The argument is around the sharp increase of early and mail-in voters and how it is a positive boon for our democracy. Meanwhile, Republican led states engaged in the usual voter purges and ID requirements. The first figure presented in the book is a mish mash of data. Highlighting the number of states who proposed voter reforms. On the list: voter ID, online voter reg. election day reg, early in-person voting, etc. No accounts of how many of these passed, nor differentiating the restricting reforms from the expansions. Making for a useless filler of a table. The first two chapters on 2020 leave behind more questions than answers as to why universal voting is the solution.
Attempts to address the critiques of universal voting are toothless. The preceding chapter highlighted two concerns that are widely shared amongst people that are against civic duty voting: 1. people have a right not to participate in elections. 2. There are already too many government taxes and fines. The first is easy to answer. It is easy to make a policy where people send in a blank ballot, have a "none of the above" option like nevada, or have some objection form. The second question IS ENTIRELY IGNORED. I don't blame them, it is the harder of the two concerns to address. The Brennan Center estimates sending out mail-in ballots to all voters would cost $.9-$1.2 Billion. In addition, The Brennan Center advocated for the government to allocate $4 Billion to adequately prepare for voting during the pandemic. I have no doubt the authors are aware of these figures given that the referened The Brennan Center in the book. Needless to say, I am more pursuaded against Universal Voting after their persuasion "attempts."
To be fair, the book does a good job at covering universal voting among other countries and how enforcement strategies impact turnout. The book also does not shy away from the shocking data of how wildly unpopular compulsory voting is among Americans. The strongest points of this book certaintly are the new datapoints they bring to the conversation. For this, the book deserves at least two stars.
October 26, 2025
Rapaport and Dionne Jr. do an outstanding job of outlining the history, advocacy, criticism, and mechanics of a policy that, in short, is viewed with skepticism.
The concept of Universal voting, or civic duty voting, is navigated with ease as the authors deftly illustrate its success in Australia, Portugal, Peru, Belgium, and the like - even going as far to explain what methods, policies, and mechanics have historically benefitted or damaged voter turnout.
Unlike some policy books, 100% Democracy also openly and honestly addresses the shortcomings of its proposals, dedicating multiple chapters to acknowledging counterarguments, opposition to the policy, and where the opposition originates, all without taking a "holier than thou" voice to delegitimize the criticism. Instead, they take it on the chin and gently provide their defense.
I believe the authors may be over-optimistic and potentially cavalier about their claims to constitutional integrity of their arguments. They propose that universal voting could pass constitutional muster on limited precedent and arguments that I personally think do not strongly hold water. I admit, given that this book was originally written in 2022, years before we have seen the complete degradation of our democratic institutions under a particular President, my own cynicism is holding the text to a 2025 standard rather than only a few years ago.
Altogether, this is an outstanding entry into the concept of compulsory voting, which, at some times overoptimistic about feasibility, holds great integrity when highlighting both sides of a unique argument. I highly recommend to critics, advocates, and skeptics alike.
The concept of Universal voting, or civic duty voting, is navigated with ease as the authors deftly illustrate its success in Australia, Portugal, Peru, Belgium, and the like - even going as far to explain what methods, policies, and mechanics have historically benefitted or damaged voter turnout.
Unlike some policy books, 100% Democracy also openly and honestly addresses the shortcomings of its proposals, dedicating multiple chapters to acknowledging counterarguments, opposition to the policy, and where the opposition originates, all without taking a "holier than thou" voice to delegitimize the criticism. Instead, they take it on the chin and gently provide their defense.
I believe the authors may be over-optimistic and potentially cavalier about their claims to constitutional integrity of their arguments. They propose that universal voting could pass constitutional muster on limited precedent and arguments that I personally think do not strongly hold water. I admit, given that this book was originally written in 2022, years before we have seen the complete degradation of our democratic institutions under a particular President, my own cynicism is holding the text to a 2025 standard rather than only a few years ago.
Altogether, this is an outstanding entry into the concept of compulsory voting, which, at some times overoptimistic about feasibility, holds great integrity when highlighting both sides of a unique argument. I highly recommend to critics, advocates, and skeptics alike.
July 23, 2022
Good, concise argument about mandatory voting. I was unaware that this was the case in Australia. I was kind of bored by the legal stuff and legal precedent and counterarguments. And the popular support for this measure is very low. We should have it though. I support civic duty voting.
January 18, 2026
Published in 2022, the book refers to the Trump administration in the past tense. Trump 2.0 makes it difficult to imagine these democracy-promoting ideas receiving a fair evaluation / chance in the USA.
They remain, however, wonderful ideas.
They remain, however, wonderful ideas.
July 31, 2023
This book is a must-read for everyone and an important must for Americans before the 2024 election.
December 29, 2023
very informative! lays out a clear pathway to implementing universal voting in america.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews