Chile approves fines for voter abstention, prioritises services for participants

Chile’s lower house of parliament has passed a new bill introducing financial penalties for citizens who fail to vote in national elections, as part of a broader effort to boost civic engagement.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals who abstain from voting without a valid excuse—such as illness or other exceptional circumstances—will face fines ranging from 34,400 to 206,700 Chilean pesos (approximately $34 to $216 USD). The bill is expected to move to the Senate for further approval, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The measure also includes incentives for participation: citizens who vote will be granted priority access to certain public services, although officials have yet to specify which services will be affected.

Compulsory voting was reinstated in Chile in 2022 after being voluntary for a decade. The new penalties reflect growing concern among lawmakers about declining voter turnout and its implications for democratic legitimacy.

Supporters of the bill argue it reinforces democratic responsibility, while critics warn it could unfairly penalise low-income individuals or those with limited access to polling stations.

By Vugar Khalilov