In Victoria voting is compulsory and you may be fined if you do not vote. Voting is your chance to actively participate in our democracy and have your say in shaping our state. Victoria was the first democracy in the world to introduce the secret ballot. The secret ballot means that nobody else can see how you have voted. Strict policies and procedures are in place for the confidential handling of all ballot papers. Making Voting Secret is the fascinating story of the introduction of the secret ballot in Victoria in 1856.