Levying a fine on those who don't vote, won't allow people to express their disregard for the democratic system, in total or as it is played out nowadays, through voter apathy. When the candidates fielded are mediocre or the campaign tactics negative less people will turn up to vote, there by expressing a malaise with the people/practices of that election.
A fine that punishes non-voters puts a negative spin on democracy and teaches the world that it isn't the best system of government that we've achieved so far. If we had to be fined to go to the polls than why try to spread democracy to places in Asia and the middle east, why are others fighting so hard for democracy while those with established ones are ready to cast off their vote.
You don't promote the benefits of voting to Canadians by threatening them, Canadians are smart enough to know that voting is a major part of the civic responsibility of a citizen and a benefit to all. We do however need to do a better job promoting voting, specially with an election on a cold day in January.
KingFunk
