"the black swan", page-11

'To me a democracy is being able to vote for your choice without being intimidated or a gun shoved in your face.'
Yes that is partly correct. But in Australias case you have to substitute 'being able' with 'being forced'. Would be interesting to see what the voter turnout would be without compulsory voting. I think not very high, especially if something important like the cricket or a sale at Harvey Norman was on that weekend.