<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="crosshead"><strong>Natural election</strong></h2>

The air is buzzing with excitement. First-time voters excitedly walk to the polling station with their proud parents in tow. Families bite their nails as they tune into live updates on their TV.

Well, not exactly. In fact, it could be any other day. Many are likely not even aware that local elections will take place today in 230 of England's 317 councils.

Local elections are rarely met with much enthusiasm, yet they are very important. Local authorities are responsible for many public services, including libraries, housing, refuse collection and transport.¹

And this year's results will be particularly telling. It is British prime minister Rishi Sunak's first electoral test, with pollsters predicting that the ConservativesA traditionally right-wing or centre right political party in the UK. Members are sometimes called Tories. will lose their grip on a number of significant councils.²

Conservative party chairman Greg Hands has predicted that his party will lose 1,000 seats. A ToryA member of the Conservative party.  bloodbath could cast doubt on Sunak's leadership.

However, turnout is expected to hit all-time lows amid widespread apathyLack of interest or enthusiasm. and the distraction of the coronationThe ceremony where a King or Queen is crowned. weekend.

Low turnout has led some to argue that Britain needs to consider making voting compulsoryNot optional. . Around 15% of democracies around the world use compulsory voting, including Belgium, Argentina and Australia. 

It would certainly raise turnout, which has averaged at a measly 65% in the six general elections the UK has had since 2000. But it would also mean that election results would likely be more reflective of the views of the general population.

But others worry that forcing voters to turn out would do nothing to tackle the underlying causes of political apathy. Instead, people might tick a name at random.

Yes: Forcing people to vote would lend more legitimacy to electoral winners and provide greater guidance about what the majority of the population actually wants. Currently, many voices are left unheard.

No: A key aspect of democracy is choice - including the choice not to vote. Besides, many people do not vote because they are ill-informed - why force them to choose between candidates they know nothing about?

Or... There are better ways to deal with voters' apathy than force. Better education, incentives to vote and more political stability would all increase turnout.

Conservatives - A traditionally right-wing or centre right political party in the UK. Members are sometimes called Tories.

Tory - A member of the Conservative party. 

Apathy - Lack of interest or enthusiasm.

Coronation - The ceremony where a King or Queen is crowned.

Compulsory - Not optional.