1.10 Polls of public opinion conducted over the
last two decades in the UK suggest that the
public is largely undecided on the issue, with
responses seemingly conditional on the
specific question asked. A 1991 MORI/Joseph
Rowntree Trust survey found 49% in favour of
the introduction of compulsory voting and 41%
against. In 2000, 30% were in favour, 49%
against. In 2001, a MORI/Electoral Commission
survey immediately after the general election
found 49% in favour and 47% opposed. At the
last general election, a MORI poll found onethird
of the public (36%) supporting voting
being made compulsory with fines for people
who don’t take part, and the majority (57%)
opposing this.