The idea to force people to participate in elections is rather marginal. Russian citizens are still reluctant to take responsibility for the results of the voting.
MOSCOW, November 1, 2016. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data of the survey describing the attitudes of Russians towards the idea of compulsory voting.
The initiative of compulsory voting is not supported by most of Russians: 63% disfavor it. The opponents say that people must have choice whether to vote for certain party or candidate or not (64%). There are also objective reasons why people abstain (14%).
Thirty-four per cent of Russians support the idea of compulsory voting. They say that participation in the voting is a civic duty, and people are responsible for their country’s future (51%); this also excludes any possibility of election fraud (16%), increases integrity and transparency during elections (14%).
The initiative is basically approved by women (40%), persons aged 60 and over (39%), rural area residents (40%) and CPRF supporters (40%); it is mainly disapproved by men (69%), middle-aged respondents (68% of those aged 25-44), and residents of Moscow and St Petersburg (72%).
When asked about punishment for breaking this law in case it is adopted, those respondents who approve of the idea have ambiguous attitudes: 32% think that fine should be introduced; 13% propose community service; a further 14% consider that the only punishment should be public condemnation. At the same time, 33% think that there is no need for any punishment at all.
Another question referred to the “none of the above” option that is supposed to be reintroduced to the voter ballot. In this case the share of the compulsory voting supporters increases to 45%, however a relative majority (48%) are still not ready to support it.
The VCIOM survey was conducted on October 1-2, 2016, using stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of telephone numbers operating in Russia, and involved 1600 respondents. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the field work can introduce bias into the survey.
Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova says that compulsory voting might be introduced in Russia. Fines or sanctions might be applied to those not willing to participate in the voting. What is your attitude towards the compulsory voting? | |||||||||||
| Total respondents | Men | Women | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | Aged 60 and more | Secondary education (school, vocational school) | Specialized secondary education (technical school) | Incomplete higher (not less than three years in a higher education institute), higher education |
Completely support | 18 | 16 | 20 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 27 | 20 | 19 | 12 |
Likely support | 16 | 12 | 20 | 25 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 19 |
Likely not support | 20 | 17 | 23 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 19 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 23 |
Completely oppose | 43 | 52 | 35 | 44 | 46 | 46 | 44 | 38 | 42 | 44 | 43 |
Don’t know | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova says that compulsory voting might be introduced in Russia. Fines or sanctions might be applied to those not willing to participate in the voting. What is your attitude towards the compulsory voting? | |||||||
| Total respondents | Moscow and St.Petersburg | Million cities | More than 500 ths | 100–500 ths | Less than 100 ths | Rural area |
I would support it | 18 | 9 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 25 |
I am likely to support it | 16 | 18 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 |
I am unlikely to support it | 20 | 24 | 26 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 17 |
I would completely oppose it | 43 | 48 | 40 | 41 | 45 | 43 | 42 |
Don’t know | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Why do you OPPOSE the compulsory voting? | |
| Total respondents |
Voting is a private affair | 64 |
Election results are predicted; voters do not have any influence on them | 14 |
Sometimes there is no possibility to take part in the voting due to objective reasons | 14 |
There is no one to vote for/ there is no “none of the above” option in the list | 6 |
Politicians do nothing for people | 6 |
Everyone does not care | 3 |
People will disapprove it | 2 |
Other | 3 |
Don’t know | 5 |
Why do you SUPPORT the compulsory voting? (open-ended question, not more than three answers, % of those who support the idea of compulsory voting) | |
| Total respondents |
This is a civic duty; people must be responsible for the future of their country | 51 |
There will not be election fraud | 16 |
Elections will be more transparent and objective; the opinion of the majority will be evident | 14 |
Voter turnout will increase | 11 |
Results will be different | 4 |
Election expenditures should be justified | 2 |
Other | 3 |
Don’t know | 12 |
How would those who abstain from voting be punished? | |
| Total respondents |
They should not be punished | 33 |
Penalty | 32 |
Public condemnation (in mass media and Internet) | 14 |
Compulsory community service | 13 |
15 days of arrest | 1 |
Other | 6 |
Don’t know | 8 |
If the “None of the above” option was included into the voter ballot, how would you perceive the compulsory voting? (closed-ended question, one answer, %) | |||||||
| Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | Aged 60 and more | |
I would support it | 19 | 15 | 22 | 19 | 20 | 15 | |
I am likely to support it | 26 | 35 | 30 | 25 | 25 | 22 | |
I am unlikely to support it | 20 | 24 | 19 | 22 | 18 | 20 | |
I would completely oppose it | 28 | 26 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 32 | |
Don’t know | 7 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 11 | |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!