Not voting in the election on 8 Feb 2026 may impact your future political rights, as in some countries, non-voters face fines, are barred from attending public universities, or cannot obtain driver's licenses or passports.
Electing representatives to serve in executive or legislative bodies is a legitimate power granted to those legally entitled to vote.
Some countries view voting as a right, while many clearly define it as a legal duty of citizens, with negative consequences for non-compliance.
For example,
In Australia, under the Commonwealth Electoral Act of 1918, subsection 254, those who fail to vote can be prosecuted by the Australian Electoral Commission and fined 20 Australian dollars (about 420 baht), unless they have a valid reason reported officially, which exempts them from the fine.
/Reference https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-02/is-voting-compulsory-fines-penalties/105173996/
In Brazil, during national elections, those who do not vote without a valid reason or fail to notify authorities lose three rights immediately: 1. The right to attend state universities; 2. The ability to obtain a new passport if less than 150 days remain before the next election; and 3. Access to government bank loans.
/Reference https://despachante55.com/en/emissao-do-passaporte-em-periodo-eleitoral/
In Bolivia, voters receive a certificate confirming their participation, which is crucial for withdrawing salary from banks. Without it, one must wait three months after election day to access funds.
/Reference "IFES Election Guide | Country Profile: Bolivia". www.electionguide.org. Retrieved 13 Jan 2023.
In Greece, before 2000, citizens who did not vote in elections were disqualified from obtaining a driver's license.
/Reference "Compulsory Voting | International IDEA". www.idea.int. Retrieved 11 Jun 2022.
In Egypt, the harshest penalty for not voting is imprisonment, though this is largely symbolic since there have been no records of arrests or detentions for abstaining voters.
In Argentina, those who do not vote are fined, and if they refuse to pay, they are barred from accessing government services for one year.
/Reference Cannataro, Micaela (26 October 2019). "Cuánto se paga de multa por no votar y cómo justificarlo". Tikitakas (in Spanish). Retrieved 22 July 2022.
In Thailand, voting in local administrative, parliamentary, or some provincial governor elections is not only a right but a duty for all Thai citizens aged 18 and over.
Although there are no fines or imprisonment, those who abstain from voting face political restrictions, such as being ineligible to run for office, join local councils, or initiate recalls, all for a period of two years.
Exceptions apply if the voter notifies the Election Commission within seven days after election day, either online or in person at district or local offices according to their registration.
Failure to notify will result in the two-year political disqualification, including inability to run for office, join local councils, or participate in recall processes.
Additionally, those who registered for advance voting on 1 February but are unable to vote for any reason must inform the Election Commission by Sunday, 15 February 2026, giving a 14-day window starting from election day on 8 February.