In 2016’s Northern Ireland Assembly election the turnout among eligible voters was 54.9%, with 1.3% invalid votes recorded. In the same year, Australia’s federal elections – one of the most common examples of countries where voting is compulsory – saw voter turnout reach 91%; 5% of votes were declared invalid.

Australia introduced compulsory voting in response to its low turnout; failing to register to vote and going to the polls can result in a fine, even a day in court.

Following this week’s two UK by-elections in Copeland and Stoke-on-Trent (at which turnout reached 51% and 38% respectively), many took to social media to suggest voting should be compulsory here too.

There are currently 25 other countries in the world that have mandatory voting in place. Like Australia, Brazil, Singapore and Peru have strict levels of enforcement. On the other hand, non-voters in countries like Egypt, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Dominican Republic face no penalties for non-voting.

Some argue that voting is a right; others say it is a civic duty, comparable to taxation and jury duty.

But by making voting mandatory, surely this takes away the freedom of choice. Yes, compulsory voting still provides the opportunity to return an invalid ballot for whatever reason, but isn’t that the same as not turning up?

Alternatively, it could be argued that mandatory voting may make apathetic voters engaged, even motivated to take part in the political process.

Research shows that younger and disadvantaged people are among the least likely groups to vote; and when these individuals are forced to vote they often choose extremist or ‘anti-system’ parties.

In theory that should benefit both ideological extremes, but studies show that in more cases the political ‘right’ profits more than the ‘left’.

Refusing to vote can be a political choice too.

People should have a right to choose if they vote or not. They should also keep in mind that elections – whatever the context in which they are called – do have an effect on everyone’s life through taxes, health, infrastructure and other factors.

Not voting is a legitimate option if there is no party that represents your views; low turnout can also provide a nudge to political parties and deliver a result on its own.

I for one do not wish to encourage anyone not to vote. A vote gives an individual a voice; as we have found out over the past year especially, many voices can make a difference.