Scott Bennett describes the origins of compulsory voting in Australia and its use in Commonwealth elections, outlines the arguments for and against compulsion, discusses the political impact of compulsory voting and refers to suggested reforms.

The committee looks at the conduct of each federal election, examining pre-poll and polling day arrangements. This report goes further than usual, examining a range of potential changes to the voting system, including voluntary voting, four-year terms and early closure of the roll. Few proposals attracted cross-party support.

This inquiry into the administration of the Regional Partnerships Program and Sustainable Regions Program was established following allegations raised in parliament and the media about the misuse of the programs in the lead up to the 2004 federal election.

Adrienne Blunt provides links to web-based information and full-text articles relevant to selected countries having national elections in 2005. This document covers all elections held in the Pacific region; coverage is selective for Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Elections may be presidential or parliamentary. The country information is brief and gives the date and...

Antony Green provides data on the causes of by-elections, the periods for which seats have been left vacant, as well as the swings recorded at by-elections, drawing on a database of election results currently being prepared as part of the Sesquicentenary celebrations for the New South Wales Parliament.