§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary in which Empire countries any penalties whatsoever are imposed on persons who neglect to exercise the franchise at elections; and if he will furnish particulars of such systems of penalty?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have no information except as regards the Commonwealth of Australia, where an elector who fails to vote at an election without a valid and sufficient reason is guilty of an offence for which the penalty is not less than ten shillings, and not more than £2. Proceedings for an offence can be instituted only by the chief electoral officer, or with his authority.