“Use your vote” is emblazoned in huge blue letters on the bridge that flanks the main entrance to the European Parliament building in Brussels.

European elections, much like those to the Senedd, have been typified by poor turnout caused in part by confusion about the decisions at stake.

The campaign slogan for the latest European polls taking place this weekend is though wasted in Brussels. Not because the residents of the capital of Europe are so fanatical about the institutions, but because, in Belgium, voting is a legal duty, not a choice.

It’s a model that former First Minister Mark Drakeford recently suggested Wales should adopt.

“Many countries around the world, Australia and Belgium to take just two random examples, have that system,” he told BBC Radio Wales last month.

  • mad_asshatter@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    29 days ago

    Agreed…$$ tax credit type of thing.

    Also, encouragement and advocacy of online/mail-in/early voting. Simplify the process.