Categories: elections
Date: 09 October 2004 04:10:20
We [the people of this land called Australia] are voting for our Federal Government today. I thought I'd outline my experience for all you overseas readers. [I am not sure how voting occurs in other countries -- and I love to hear.]
We vote on Saturday here. Between 8am and 6pm [you can vote early if you are overseas or unable to vote on the day]. Schools, community halls and other places are where you go to vote. I head to my old High School. It is also compulsory. Unless you have a valid excuse, you are fined -- $100 (I think).
Usually you are accosted by people brandishing "How To Vote Cards" as you walk in to vote. Today was not such a day. People brandishing rival leaflets were merrily chatting, and one person was simply relaxing under a parasol. Very odd.
Once you get in, you wait...and wait...and wait. You then give your surname, name and address to an official who marks you off the roll. You are then handed two forms -- a green one for The House of Representatives and a white one for The Senate. You then retire to one of the numerous cardboard booths where a small lead pencil has been provided for you to vote with. On the House of Representatives paper, you simply number from 1 onwards to indicate who you want to vote for. The Senate is trickier: you can either place a "1" above the line [and allow that person / party to distribute your votes] , or you can number every box below the line -- as I do. 78 or so of them today. We have had more.
And you are done.
Counting the votes is horrifically complex and I wouldn't even want to attempt to explain it. For those having trouble sleeping at night, this page explains counting for the House of Representatives and this page explains counting for the Senate. Tallying the votes is broadcast on TV and radio, and I admit I am one of those who enjoys watching the tally. I love the ABC's coverage -- their "tally guru" Antony Green is fantastic.
And that is it. Hopefully it will all be over soon. We only have the election build-up for 5 or 6 weeks [unlike the U.S. where it seems to go on for a year or so!], but I am tired of it already. Though I am extremely thankful to God that we have the freedom to vote and the freedom to speak our minds.