Oz Catters, info please:

The US election cycle is finished, and President Obama faces the reality of dealing with 535 Senators and Representatives who have other agendas than his, even if they are from the same party. In 2008, slightly more than 60% of the eligible voters bothered to vote (and this is higher than previous years). Members of Congress are elected by a simple majority of the valid votes cast...so, many of them were actually selected by 30-35% of the citizens they represent.

So to my questions(s). I understand that voting is mandatory in Australia. How does this work in practice? Is there a substantial penalty for not voting? Is it enforced? Do many people still not bother to vote. Most importantly, in your opinion does this requirement result in a significantly better informed electorate which votes on the issues, or do they just pick someone to avoid the penalty?