Challenge: Compulsory voting in the UK

With a POD from 1st January 1900, have it so that by modern times (2012), enforced Compulsory voting is in effect in the British Isles (at least general elections). Overseas territories/empire is not necessary but can be compulsory if you want.

Once this is achieved, how exactly will this effect British politics and the British at large?

Also, would it be possible to add Proportional representation to the mix?
 
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Orry

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Jarrow march and depression lead to civil disorder culminating in a communist government.

Communist governments often make voting compulsory

Britian becomes a one party state and everybody is miserable....
 
Jarrow march and depression lead to civil disorder culminating in a communist government.

Communist governments often make voting compulsory

Britian becomes a one party state and everybody is miserable....

I thought communists were not allowed to participate in the Jarrow march?
 
Don't know - Perhaps the wartime white papers suggest it to revitalise British democracy and continue the 'pitching in' spirit?

Harold Wilson's 60s government has better luck driving the whole technocratic thing and compulsory voting is brought in on 'scientific' grounds to ensure all views are heard?

I was going to suggest New Labour doing it but Blair is too savvy to throw in such a move in 97 or 01 (his clique were terrified of being a one term government so avoided controversial action) and by 05 there's just too much 'stuff' to crowd it out. Brown might mention in on taking power but again come the Crash he'll have other things on his mind.

I can see big opposition to it, possibly a big spoilt ballot movement to show anger at the idea and politics in general.
 
Thats a good idea. Just added in a proportional representation question to the opening post. How could this be achieved?
 
Thats a good idea. Just added in a proportional representation question to the opening post. How could this be achieved?

If the Liberals ever gained a large enough number of seats to go into coalition whilst the other parties would only be able to form an unworkably small minority government, perhaps.
 
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