A man who has lost a Supreme Court challenge against Australia's compulsory voting system says he plans to take his legal fight to the High Court.

Anders Holmdahl, 65, has argued voting at federal and state elections is a right, not a duty.

The Adelaide man was found guilty by a magistrate of failing to vote in the 2010 federal poll.

A full court of three Supreme Court judges has unanimously dismissed his appeal.

Mr Holmdahl said that was to be expected but his fight would continue.

"It's disappointing but, on the other hand, I didn't expect anything else, not at this stage," he said outside the hearing.

"We are actually contesting the meaning of the word vote, which is a free choice.

"The constitution gives the citizens the free choice. We don't have that at this stage. Compulsory voting is definitely unconstitutional and even the electoral provisions doesn't really tell people to vote, just to turn up at a polling station, but if you don't do that you are prosecuted and fined."

Mr Holmdahl has argued adults should have freedom to choose.

"What is the difference by putting in a blank vote, as 730,000 people in the last federal election did ... [and] not turning up at all? The result is exactly the same," he said.

"I do believe we are getting a bit like a totalitarian state here at the moment. Why shouldn't we be treated as adult people and make a decision if we want to vote or not?

"Since 1924, hundreds of thousands of people have turned up at the polling booth only because they want to avoid a fine and [they] have no interest, no real knowledge of what they want to vote for."

He said he had found much support for his view across Australia.

Mr Holmdahl said he would lodge a special leave application in the High Court.

Sorry, this video has expired Former senator Nick Minchin watched court proceedings with interest

Former Liberal senator Nick Minchin attended the Adelaide hearing to lend support to the legal challenge.

"I've always said that compulsory voting is an infringement of the democratic rights of Australians, so I'm delighted this case was brought to court," he said.

"I'm sorry that the matter has been dismissed at this level, but I hope it will be taken to the High Court.

"I think the Commonwealth Electoral Act's requirement on Australians to vote, whether they want to or not, is wrong and I think it should be tested in the High Court."