YouGov polling, commissioned for the report published by the Constitution Society, shows that a plurality of the public would support the introduction of compulsory voting, with 48 per cent in favour compared with 42 per cent against. The polling also found that 72 per cent of Britons are worried about politicians ignoring the interests of groups that are less likely to vote, such as young people or working-class people.

The report’s author, Dr David Klemperer, said: “What this polling shows is that the public understand that our democracy is being undermined. Low and unequal turnout have left the UK with an unrepresentative electorate – one that is considerably richer, older, whiter, and more secure than the UK population as a whole. This has created warped incentives for politicians who are pushed to disproportionately prioritise the interests of an economically insulated minority.”

Amidst the rise of populism, the report argues that low and unequal turnout are exacerbating dissatisfaction with democracy, by rewarding politicians for pursuing policies that contribute to high inequality and low economic growth. The report warns that the UK risks becoming trapped in “a vicious cycle of unequal turnout, economic stagnation, political disillusionment, and democratic decay – a cycle that is creating the conditions in which right-wing populism can flourish”.

The report’s proposal to introduce compulsory voting has already received support. Politicians and academics have welcomed the report.

Antonia Bance, Labour MP for Tipton and Wednesbury, said: “Representing the constituency with the fifth-lowest turnout in the UK, I understand the damage low turnout does to democracy. 

“Low turnout means we don’t take account of younger and ethnic minority voters’ views equally, and leads to the chronic underrepresentation of the working class and its interests. 

“Compulsory voting will redress the balance, make sure working-class voices are properly heard, and change our politics for the better.”

Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester, said: “Compulsory voting would have a big and largely positive impact on elections in the UK. By changing the make-up of the likely electorate, it would change the incentives facing political parties. 

“Currently, age and housing status are the strongest predictors of turnout, with older homeowners by far the most likely to vote. By reducing disparities in turnout, compulsory voting will force politicians to pay more attention to the interests of young people and renters.”