Please don't donkey vote

[elleandsam]

Australian soldiers have fought and died for the right to vote in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor. People over there get killed because of how they vote. With this in mind please don't throw your vote away, don't donkey vote. It really spits in the face of all those who have fought for our democracy and are fighting for the democracies in other nations.

I consider myself very lucky to live in a country where power can shift hands without blood shed. In other nations there are people who so desperately want their say, but fear being killed because of it, and yet so many people don't care in this country about having their say.

It really grinds my gear that people could care so little about their vote that they donkey vote or just throw in a blank slip.

And what about how hard feminists fought to get us the right to vote, and we're just going to throw it away!

So please, please, please vote! And make it count. If you don't believe in labor or liberal's ideals vote green, or family first, or the Australian Sex Party, or vote for an independent. Just vote.

[Janesmum123]

Well said:thumbsup:

[ThereIsNoPlaceLikeHome]

:yelclap::yelclap: Very well said!

I am looking forward to having my say tomorrow! :yes:

[MothersMilk]

I agree elleandbump :yes:
Make your vote count people - only donkeys donkey vote.

[Merla]

I disagree. I disagree with mandatory voting.

If you can't make an informed vote exercise your right to NOT vote.

[Mrs P]

I disagree. I disagree with mandatory voting.

If you can't make an informed vote exercise your right to NOT vote.


I have to agree. I do not care for politics nor follow them so I don't think my vote should count because I have no idea what I'm talking about.

[1+1=5]

I disagree. I disagree with mandatory voting.

If you can't make an informed vote exercise your right to NOT vote.
:iagree:

[Pinkzy]

I disagree. I disagree with mandatory voting.

If you can't make an informed vote exercise your right to NOT vote.

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

[elleandsam]

Maybe I'm hormonal or maybe I'm just ****ed off because I keep seeing "who cares I'll just donkey vote" all over facebook but voting is important. It's not that hard to inform yourself, do a quick google of the major parties, compare their policies and vote.

Seriously, people in other countries die for their right to vote, and we just throw ours away. It really grinds my gears.

[Leisa21]

Yep women faught so hard for what we have, I could never throw that away.

[FiveInTheBed]

I agree OP!

If you don't 'want' to vote for who is running - write "none of the above" on your ballot paper.

If you 'donkey vote' ..your vote still actually gets counted...makes for an unfair election.

We have been given the right to vote -- with that comes a responsibility to do it properly.

[Boobycino]

I don't want to vote wrong. :o

I'll try but I feel awful making and uninformed decision.

I think I know who and why I'm voting - I tell dp and he say 'what about *this*'

Honestly I don't grasp it, I don't know what's best for the country. :o

[~BEXTER~]

I disagree. I disagree with mandatory voting.

If you can't make an informed vote exercise your right to NOT vote.


I have to agree. I do not care for politics nor follow them so I don't think my vote should count because I have no idea what I'm talking about.

I have to agree with these. I don't want to vote tomorrow

[Looshkin]

&^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This!

Women worked damn hard to get us a vote.
The least we can do is spend a few minutes finding out who to vote for based on our personal beliefs and interests for the country we live in.

In some countries people are killed over their choices in government. I think it is beyond lazy to be 'not interested' in the way the country you live in, and in the case of I'm sure all of the forum members on here, recieve benefits from.

[1+1=5]

i never asked anyone to fight for my right to vote :confused: and many people just don't care.

i'm not saying I don't care because i have looked at each parties policies but it is painfully boring. i can see why people don't give a hoot. there are also a lot of promises being made then a large lot never get delivered, politicians lie and seem to care more about staying in power than doing what is best for the people of the country, its really disheartening. it just makes you want to say "f it, why should i bother voting". know what i mean?

[Amara]

I disagree. I disagree with mandatory voting.

If you can't make an informed vote exercise your right to NOT vote.

I totally agree. It's a shame you get a fine for not voting though. That said, I will be voting tomorrow.

[BigRedV]

?
I don't belive voting should be mandatory, but if people weren't so apathetic about it, then we wouldn't have to make it compulsory.

I just looked at the candidates in the electorate I'll be voting (not actually the electorate I am living in atm as I didn't change in time) and there are only 2 good options, yet I have to number ALL the boxes.

I have Labor, Greens, Liberals :no: Family First :rolleyes: and Christian Democratic Party :barf:

OMG, who do I put last :detective:

[sunnymummy]

Please get your terminology correct.

:hair::hair::hair::hair::hair:

A donkey vote is when you number the boxes in order from top to bottom. These votes are counted. You are not wasting your vote or throwing it away. You are giving it to whoever is at the top of the paper.

An INFORMAL vote is when you do not fill in your ballot correctly, by leaving it blank, or not numbering every box, using ticks or crosses, repeating numbers or leaving numbers out. These votes are not counted. If you intentionally vote informally then your are wasting your vote. The paper will be put aside and not included. Take a few seconds to read the instructions and fill it out correctly.

If you really can't decide or don't care then you are best to vote informally by leaving your paper blank or by placing crosses in the boxes. Dont just number randomly because these will be counted for someone.

Remeber voting = the right to whinge about the government.

[Pinkzy]

In some countries people are killed over their choices in government. I think it is beyond lazy to be 'not interested' in the way the country you live in, and in the case of I'm sure all of the forum members on here, recieve benefits from.

I find it really annoying when people say things like this.

A lot of people who will donkey vote tomorrow are interested in this country we live in. They're certainly not lazy either.

For instance, I don't want to vote for either Abbott or Gillard, nor do I want to vote for The Greens (even though Bob Brown is someone I agree with on a lot of issues/topics)..nor do I want to vote for the other candidates. Voting is everyone's right - so it's our right what we do with it :)

[Merla]

I agree OP!

If you don't 'want' to vote for who is running - write "none of the above" on your ballot paper.

If you 'donkey vote' ..your vote still actually gets counted...makes for an unfair election.

We have been given the right to vote -- with that comes a responsibility to do it properly.

I do think that's what the OP was referring too, not writing 123456 down the ballot, but good point :)


I totally agree. It's a shame you get a fine for not voting though. That said, I will be voting tomorrow.

I disagree with fines for not voting, if someone doesn't want to vote or doesn't care enough to vote they usually have a reason, be it because they believe neither party should be elected or because there uninformed.

Uninformed voters are my biggest concern for this election, I want this country run by the best government not the best scare tactics.

[FiveInTheBed]

What do you mean it still gets counted?

I've worked on elections and it is very strict.



a donkey vote is when you number sequentially down the page.

a lot of people do it...for this reason candidates are no longer listed in alphabetical order but randomly.

:)

[Pinkzy]

I agree...this stupid business of being fined for not voting is BS.

[MothersMilk]

But isn't a 'donkey vote' when people just number the ballot papers in numerical order - so it counts?

Why not just spend a small amount of time looking up the different parties and make a choice - i'm not overly political but i do care so i research and make the best choice out of the knowledge i have (which admittedly isn't that vast). Surely most people can do that - isn't that better than a donkey vote.

[elleandsam]

i never asked anyone to fight for my right to vote :confused: and many people just don't care.



But they did.

Imagine living in a time before women could vote. You couldn't have a say on what was going on in your local area and your nation. Strong women saw that voting would give all women a voice, so they fought, and won us the vote.

Imagine living in a time before average working people could vote. You could only vote if you owned land. Those who the laws affected had no say and the people with money didn't care. But strong men saw that voting would give the working class a voice, so they fought and they won the vote.

Now a lot of people can easily say, so what, I didn't ask for it and I don't care. That's fair enough, that's your opinion, but it belittles the struggles of those who fought for the vote for everyone. It also sends the message to those who are helping forge democracies in their infancy that you don't really support what they're doing because you don't think that voting is really that important.

This isn't an attack on any poster in particular, it's just something I feel so strongly about.

[Leisa21]

But they did.

Imagine living in a time before women could vote. You couldn't have a say on what was going on in your local area and your nation. Strong women saw that voting would give all women a voice, so they fought, and won us the vote.

Imagine living in a time before average working people could vote. You could only vote if you owned land. Those who the laws affected had no say and the people with money didn't care. But strong men saw that voting would give the working class a voice, so they fought and they won the vote.

Now a lot of people can easily say, so what, I didn't ask for it and I don't care. That's fair enough, that's your opinion, but it belittles the struggles of those who fought for the vote for everyone. It also sends the message to those who are helping forge democracies in their infancy that you don't really support what they're doing because you don't think that voting is really that important.

This isn't an attack on any poster in particular, it's just something I feel so strongly about.
:yes: totally agree.

[Merla]

But isn't a 'donkey vote' when people just number the ballot papers in numerical order - so it counts?

Why not just spend a small amount of time looking up the different parties and make a choice - i'm not overly political but i do care so i research and make the best choice out of the knowledge i have (which admittedly isn't that vast). Surely most people can do that - isn't that better than a donkey vote.


Making an informed decision about your gouvernment is what everyone should do. The reality is that not everyone is willing or capable of doing this and this is where informal voting is often a good idea. If one is unable to inform ones self then IMPO they shouldn't be voting.

[MothersMilk]

Making an informed decision about your gouvernment is what everyone should do. The reality is that not everyone is willing or capable of doing this and this is where informal voting is often a good idea. If one is unable to inform ones self then IMPO they shouldn't be voting.

I get that and i agree if someone is totally incapable of making an informed vote than they are probably better off not voting but a donkey vote still counts - i guess what i'm trying to say it would be better if they just didn't vote at all - ie a blank ballot vs a donkey vote, which will still be counted.
I wish people took more interest in who runs our country *sigh*

[elleandsam]

Maybe I should be more clear, I don't like donkey voting OR informal voting. I think everyone who goes into a polling booth should at least put a few minutes thought into it. I really do believe that it is our responsibility to put some thought into voting and do it right as adults in this country.

It's not hard, there have even been some pretty straight forward ads on TV telling you how to vote.

[Merla]

But they did.

Imagine living in a time before women could vote. You couldn't have a say on what was going on in your local area and your nation. Strong women saw that voting would give all women a voice, so they fought, and won us the vote.

Imagine living in a time before average working people could vote. You could only vote if you owned land. Those who the laws affected had no say and the people with money didn't care. But strong men saw that voting would give the working class a voice, so they fought and they won the vote.

Now a lot of people can easily say, so what, I didn't ask for it and I don't care. That's fair enough, that's your opinion, but it belittles the struggles of those who fought for the vote for everyone. It also sends the message to those who are helping forge democracies in their infancy that you don't really support what they're doing because you don't think that voting is really that important.

This isn't an attack on any poster in particular, it's just something I feel so strongly about.

I also have the right to work in equil employment but I am choosing not to. I am not delitteling the sacrafice that women in the past have made I am exercising my right to choose.

We should have the right to choose to vote, just because we once fought for that right does not mean that we should now be forced by law to do so.

[Merla]

I get that and i agree if someone is totally incapable of making an informed vote than they are probably better off not voting but a donkey vote still counts - i guess what i'm trying to say it would be better if they just didn't vote at all - ie a blank ballot vs a donkey vote, which will still be counted.
I wish people took more interest in who runs our country *sigh*

I 100% agree, sorry if my post wasn't clear, I was trying to agree with you :)

[MothersMilk]

Okay - sorry i have a 4 month old who wakes every 2 hours at night so i'm really tired and a bit slow these days :o :laughing:

[Merla]

It's not hard, there have even been some pretty straight forward ads on TV telling you how to vote.

Now that statement scares me! NEVER believe what you hear on TV, especially paid advertising by political parties. If I listened to what the TV said I would own an ab swing pro, a ton of mineral make up and a doll that talks.

[Merla]

Okay - sorry i have a 4 month old who wakes every 2 hours at night so i'm really tired and a bit slow these days :o :laughing:

That's alright, I'm trying to feed my bub and post at the same time so I don't always make as much sense as I would like.

[elleandsam]

We should have the right to choose to vote, just because we once fought for that right does not mean that we should now be forced by law to do so.

But would as many people vote if they weren't forced to? In the most recent US election more people voted for American Idol than in the general election. That's not something I want to see happen here in Australia.

How can a government truly be a representative of the majority of the people of the nation if a majority of the nation couldn't even be bothered to vote?

[MsMummy]

i have no idea why anybody would give up their vote.

Even if you're not overly interested in politics, surely you could work out that one party might stand for something you're interested in.

Without being overly dramatic, people do die fighting for democracy, and we just pass it up becauase we're too ambivalent to spend 10 minutes looking at the policies of the various parties.

[Janesmum123]

I don't understand when people say they "don't care". How can you not care about the future of the country you live in.
If you hate them all at least vote for someone you hate the least.
It's not hard to spend an hour every 4 years informing yourself about various parties. You don't need to know every single bit but at least know where certain parties stand.
Come on this is your future it's your children's future and your the one deciding it.
Sure they lie but at least you can say "I did my bit" at least you tried. Imagine everyone said "I don't care" this country wouldn't be what it is today and believe me I have travelled the world and this is one of the luckiest places on earth.
Election is a time when power is handed to the people, we decide by voting.
The party you vote for might not win but at least you tried at least you did something.

[elleandsam]

Now that statement scares me! NEVER believe what you hear on TV, especially paid advertising by political parties. If I listened to what the TV said I would own an ab swing pro, a ton of mineral make up and a doll that talks.

I'm talking about the ads from the Australian Electoral Commission that say "take your green slip and number the candidates in order of your preference, take your large white slip for the senate and either vote above the line and put one number or number every candidate individually under the line."

I'm simply pointing out that not knowing how to vote is never and excuse to not vote correctly as the information is readily available.

I know that paid political advertising is not to be trusted, and I'm glad the blackout is now on.

[Boobycino]

Thanks for the clarification. I wouldn't donkey vote. :no:

If I just couldn't put together a senible vote I'd leave it blank or write 'none of the above'

Not number down the page. :no:

[Phyllis Stein]

I don't want to vote wrong. :o

I'll try but I feel awful making and uninformed decision.

I think I know who and why I'm voting - I tell dp and he say 'what about *this*'

Honestly I don't grasp it, I don't know what's best for the country. :o

No one ultimately does know what's best; they just have lesser or greater information on which to base their opinion. Understanding politics is an ongoing process and it's always evolving. It does get easier as you become more engaged, though. Don't be disheartened!

[sunnymummy]

I agree...this stupid business of being fined for not voting is BS.


It is compulsory to turn up and get your name marked off. If you do that, you won't get fined.

We use a secret ballot in Australia so no one knows if you don't vote. You can fill in (or not fill in) the paper as you choose.

[Merla]

But would as many people vote if they weren't forced to? In the most recent US election more people voted for American Idol than in the general election. That's not something I want to see happen here in Australia.

How can a government truly be a representative of the majority of the people of the nation if a majority of the nation couldn't even be bothered to vote?

No, not as many people would vote, just those who do actually care about the political leadership of our country and those who can be bothered to inform themselves and then attend. I believe we would have significantly lower voting numbers but there would be a lot less chance of having the "wrong" balance of power caused by people who don't give a rat's ***.


I'm talking about the ads from the Australian Electoral Commission that say "take your green slip and number the candidates in order of your preference, take your large white slip for the senate and either vote above the line and put one number or number every candidate individually under the line."

I'm simply pointing out that not knowing how to vote is never and excuse to not vote correctly as the information is readily available.

I know that paid political advertising is not to be trusted, and I'm glad the blackout is now on.

Ahh, sorry I misinterpreted you! Thought you were saying the TV told you how to vote meaning vote for us, instead of the practical side of filling in the slips. The reality is the act of voting is not difficult (above the line) but informing yourself is not always easy. I have spent the better part of 5 hours researching who to vote for and I'm still not decided.

[Pinkzy]

I know.

What I'm getting at though is that I don't agree with the fact you can be fined for not showing up. I don't think it should be compulsory to vote, that's what I'm getting at.

[elleandsam]

Ahh, sorry I misinterpreted you! Thought you were saying the TV told you how to vote meaning vote for us, instead of the practical side of filling in the slips. The reality is the act of voting is not difficult (above the line) but informing yourself is not always easy. I have spent the better part of 5 hours researching who to vote for and I'm still not decided.

Yeah there's no way I'd vote a certain way just because a party told me to, in fact I find nothing more off putting.

I think we may just have to agree to disagree on compulsory voting at this point.

Either way, I don't think that anyone can disagree that if you can be bothered showing up please be bothered to vote correctly.

[The Fox]

I am another person here who believes that mandatory voting is absurd. Our men and women fought strong and hard for democracy not just the right to vote, yet mandatory voting in my opinion is fundamentally undemocratic.

[Phyllis Stein]

Though the argument against compulsory voting has some surface appeal (forcing political parties to vie for the votes of the informed, rather than swing voters, for one), I don't believe it would be good for our country.

Not only would optional voting mean much lower turn outs, as shown in the UK and the US, where fewer and fewer people vote in each election, but it would also favour those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds - those with higher education levels, ability to take time off from work, better access to information, etc. Basically, an optional voting system would be bad for equality.

Second, we can't all know what's good for others. I consider myself an 'informed' voter, but I wouldn't necessarily understand the interests of every group within society. Optional voting almost says that some votes are worth more than others.

Third, you'd probably see minor parties sidelined even further, as only those passionately aligned to the major parties felt motivated to vote. The diversity of our voting landscape would be reduced. Conversely, it could lead to the growth of really extreme fringe parties, such as those with a religiously zealous voter base.

Fourth, it would make politics much more divisive than it is, as it would remove the less committed 'moderate' voters from the equation.

[Merla]

Either way, I don't think that anyone can disagree that if you can be bothered showing up please be bothered to vote correctly.


I can. I believe because people are forced to show up that they should not be forced to cast a correct vote. Most people show up because they want to avoid the $20 fine, in these cases I have no issue with them casting an informal vote.

[BigRedV]

Not only would optional voting mean much lower turn outs, as shown in the UK and the US, where fewer and fewer people vote in each election

Apparently more people vote in Pop Idol in the UK and American Idol in the US than an election :eek:

[Merla]

Apparently more people vote in Pop Idol in the UK and American Idol in the US than an election :eek:

If you could SMS in your electoral vote I think that could be fixed :p

[elleandsam]

Apparently more people vote in Pop Idol in the UK and American Idol in the US than an election :eek:

That's correct and really disappointing.

[Amara]

It is compulsory to turn up and get your name marked off. If you do that, you won't get fined.

We use a secret ballot in Australia so no one knows if you don't vote. You can fill in (or not fill in) the paper as you choose.

But that is still a problem. Lots of polling places get huge queues. Why should anyone be forced to line up for an hour or more in the freezing cold, wind and rain to cast a vote? Its a bad weather forecast for Melb tomorrow so its not going to be a nice wait in line.

[Merla]

But that is still a problem. Lots of polling places get huge queues. Why should anyone be forced to line up for an hour or more in the freezing cold, wind and rain to cast a vote? Its a bad weather forecast for Melb tomorrow so its not going to be a nice wait in line.

I'm worried about this too, as I'm going to be on my own with a very active toddler. I'm thinking we will go up to the local kindy so there *may* be something for her to do.

[BigRedV]

If you could SMS in your electoral vote I think that could be fixed :p

:laughing:

[KatiesMum]

I cant beleive that I am saying this :p but I agree with Phyllis.

We introduced compulsory voting for a reason - and Phyllis listed some of them very well.

Also - if you look at Local Government elections for example, with lower voting turnouts it is so much easier for people with a specific personal interest (eg property developers and local government) to get elected. They then use (or abuse) their position for personal gain. It is a recipe for corruption.


I also have the right to work in equil employment but I am choosing not to. I am not delitteling the sacrafice that women in the past have made I am exercising my right to choose.

We should have the right to choose to vote, just because we once fought for that right does not mean that we should now be forced by law to do so.

sorry - but the REASON you are able to choose those things is because people before us fought for those rights. Women everywhere fought for the right to vote, to drive, to work, to be treated equally as people. In excersing your decision to stay home and care for your family you are excersing that right to equality.

In using roads, hospitals, education, government services etc you are reaping the benefits of a democratically elected government (as opposed to having a dictator forced upon us).

Your vote does count.

We are lucky that we are free ... that we get to choose who represents us.

I urge everyone to take 20 minutes to have a look at the candidates / parties and choose who you feel will best represent the people.

[sockstealingpoltergeist]

Though the argument against compulsory voting has some surface appeal (forcing political parties to vie for the votes of the informed, rather than swing voters, for one), I don't believe it would be good for our country.

Not only would optional voting mean much lower turn outs, as shown in the UK and the US, where fewer and fewer people vote in each election, but it would also favour those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds - those with higher education levels, ability to take time off from work, better access to information, etc. Basically, an optional voting system would be bad for equality.

Second, we can't all know what's good for others. I consider myself an 'informed' voter, but I wouldn't necessarily understand the interests of every group within society. Optional voting almost says that some votes are worth more than others.

Third, you'd probably see minor parties sidelined even further, as only those passionately aligned to the major parties felt motivated to vote. The diversity of our voting landscape would be reduced. Conversely, it could lead to the growth of really extreme fringe parties, such as those with a religiously zealous voter base.

Fourth, it would make politics much more divisive than it is, as it would remove the less committed 'moderate' voters from the equation.


:iagree:

Voting is very important.

[Amara]

I'm worried about this too, as I'm going to be on my own with a very active toddler. I'm thinking we will go up to the local kindy so there *may* be something for her to do.

Thats my problem too. I may have to do several drive bys tomorrow as I am not risking getting wet. My son is having an op on Monday and I can't risk him getting sick and having it put off. If there was no fine I would drive by once then come home and not bother if there was a queue. If it was nice weather I would not care.

[sunnymummy]

But that is still a problem. Lots of polling places get huge queues. Why should anyone be forced to line up for an hour or more in the freezing cold, wind and rain to cast a vote? Its a bad weather forecast for Melb tomorrow so its not going to be a nice wait in line.


Polling places are open from 8am-6pm.
Most polling places are very busy first thing in the morning and then for about the last hour of the day. If you are worried about it being really busy, you should go between 11am 3pm and it should be a bit quieter.

You can go to the AEC website and check how many votes were cast at each polling place in 2007.

Find your electorate, go to the more information link, information and links, 2007 election results, polling places and tehn the nearset school (or whatever) to you.

Perhaps if there are couple in your area you could choose to go to a smaller one. :D

[Amara]

I don't think anyone fought to have voting forced upon us. They fought for freedom. The right to vote should mean having the freedom to choose to vote or not.

[Amara]

Polling places are open from 8am-6pm.
Most polling places are very busy first thing in the morning and then for about the last hour of the day. If you are worried about it being really busy, you should go between 11am 3pm and it should be a bit quieter.

You can go to the AEC website and check how many votes were cast at each polling place in 2007.

Find your electorate, go to the more information link, information and links, 2007 election results, polling places and tehn the nearset school (or whatever) to you.

Perhaps if there are couple in your area you could choose to go to a smaller one. :D

I usually go in the middle of the day and there is always a big queue. I think I might try luck earlier tomorrow. Thanks for the times as I was wondering what time they opened.

[JabberJaw]

Has anyone actually ever got a fine? and how much is it?

[elleandsam]

Has anyone actually ever got a fine? and how much is it?

DH got a fine last election and it was $100 or something like that.

[Merla]

has anyone actually ever got a fine? And how much is it?

$20

[Boobycino]

We are going at 7:45 hoping to get their before a line forms - get in, get out.... :fingerscrossed:

[Merla]

http://www.aec.gov.au/faqs/voting_australia.htm#What%20happens%20if%20I%20do% 20not%20vote

[JabberJaw]

DH got a fine last election and it was $100 or something like that.


Ohhhh.

[elleandsam]

Ohhhh.

I think it's $100 if you're not enrolled, $20 if you are.

[FiveInTheBed]

DP & I almost coped a fine ($80 from memory) in a local election.
we thought we had changed address but didn't - they accepted our excuse/reason with our change of address forms and didn't have to pay.

[*Chels*]

OK I am a NZ citizen.I find elections here so crazy different
You do not HAVE to vote there,in fact I only did it once.
You dont have parties doing TV ads slagging off the other party:rolleyes:
I find the whole election thing here so crazy,its just like a huge b!tch fest!!!

[The Fox]

Can I ask a question? maybe someone here will know the answer.

If i moved houses and into a different electorate since I enrolled to vote, and my address has been updated through vic roads and other places does that mean that it will on the electoral roll too? or will i need to vote in my old electorate if i didnt update my details through them?

[The Fox]

I think it's $100 if you're not enrolled, $20 if you are.

I dont think you can get a fine for not voting in the election if you are not enrolled to vote. Technically if you arent enrolled you cannot vote

[soexcited]

i'm not saying I don't care because i have looked at each parties policies but it is painfully boring. i can see why people don't give a hoot. there are also a lot of promises being made then a large lot never get delivered, politicians lie and seem to care more about staying in power than doing what is best for the people of the country, its really disheartening.




For instance, I don't want to vote for either Abbott or Gillard, nor do I want to vote for The Greens (even though Bob Brown is someone I agree with on a lot of issues/topics)..nor do I want to vote for the other candidates. Voting is everyone's right - so it's our right what we do with it :)

:iagree:with both of these. Although elleandbump I also agree with your comments about how unfair it would be if we had no rights and the people have died for us to have these rights.

Having said all that, the options this year seem more dismal than usual -or maybe I'm finally at an age where I am passionate about having a decent party run our country? Either way I am finding it really hard to decide who I will vote for tomorrow!!

I do agree on the don't whinge if you don't vote policy ! :yes: I nagged DH to vote in our last council election and he didn't (and got fined). Then he was whingeing one day about our local council and said "who gives these idiots power anyway?!" You can imagine my joy when I told him who :laughing:

[soexcited]

Can I ask a question? maybe someone here will know the answer.

If i moved houses and into a different electorate since I enrolled to vote, and my address has been updated through vic roads and other places does that mean that it will on the electoral roll too? or will i need to vote in my old electorate if i didnt update my details through them?

I am presuming Vic is the same as NSW Bigbird and you will need to vote in your old electorate. If you live near your old electorate or on the border you should still be able to vote here you normally would (we live on the border of 2 electorates and have still not figured out with recent changes which seat we are in. We will just vote at the primary school at the end of our street as they always have both anyway)

[Sheer Bliss]

I agree OP!

If you don't 'want' to vote for who is running - write "none of the above" on your ballot paper.

If you 'donkey vote' ..your vote still actually gets counted...makes for an unfair election.

We have been given the right to vote -- with that comes a responsibility to do it properly.

:iagree:

You can put a BLANK ballot paper in the box, or write a smiley face on it - simply voting 1, 2, 3, etc down the page is STUPID!!!! If you don't want to vote and disagree with being made to - take another way out, rather than f@#king it up for others.

[MsMummy]

I dont think you can get a fine for not voting in the election if you are not enrolled to vote. Technically if you arent enrolled you cannot vote

it is compulsory to be enrolled (unless you meet some exception) so the fine is for not being enrolled, as opposed to not voting.

[sunnymummy]

Can I ask a question? maybe someone here will know the answer.

If i moved houses and into a different electorate since I enrolled to vote, and my address has been updated through vic roads and other places does that mean that it will on the electoral roll too? or will i need to vote in my old electorate if i didnt update my details through them?

The AEC can get your details from those organisations but they CAN'T update your details for you. They would send you a letter saying 'we believe you have moved, please fill out this form to update your details.'

BTW the Victoran govt is looking automatically updating addresses through Vic roads etc but they'd need to change legislation first which takes time.


I dont think you can get a fine for not voting in the election if you are not enrolled to vote. Technically if you arent enrolled you cannot vote

:no: Both enrolling and voting is compulsory. You can be fined for not enrolling ($150) but this is usually only enforced after they have contacted you several times and you have ignore it.

The fine for being enrolled and not voting is $20. If you refuse to pay it then it can go to $50 plus court costs.

[KatiesMum]

I dont think you can get a fine for not voting in the election if you are not enrolled to vote. Technically if you arent enrolled you cannot vote

we have compulsory voting in Australia

- if you are eligible to enrol, and do not enrol to vote - you will get a fine

- if you are enrolled, but do not vote - you will also get a fine

if you are enrolled - but at a different address to what you are now living, you must vote in the electorate of your previous address. Just tell the electorate officer your old address (even if you are at a polling place far away)

[Phyllis Stein]

I don't think anyone fought to have voting forced upon us. They fought for freedom. The right to vote should mean having the freedom to choose to vote or not.

With freedom come responsibility.

[Sheer Bliss]

Just reading back through and found a few posts talking about the wait and weather and having kids with them.... I will have 5yo DD1, 3yo DS1 and 1yo DD2 & DS2 while I go to vote alone. I should have pulled my finger out and voted early, but my bad for not getting around to it. Seriously - it is one day, one day in 3years maybe one day a year if you take into account local elections - it really isn't that hard to postal vote, vote early or even find somewhere that is quieter or a quieter time to go down.

[Mrs Nietzsche]

The right to vote is a fundamental part of freedom. Without a right to vote, there is no freedom.

[The Fox]

Oh cool, i never got a letter though to say that i need to update my details, ill just go local and they can consult there files to find the right ballot for Kooyong

and yeah i didnt think you coud get a fine for not voting if you werent enrolled. the fine is because you werent enrolled not cause you didnt vote.

[The Fox]

The right to vote is a fundamental part of freedom. Without a right to vote, there is no freedom.

But being forced to vote is essentially removing that said freedom.

Compulsory voting is not at all consistent with this notion

[Amara]

Just reading back through and found a few posts talking about the wait and weather and having kids with them.... I will have 5yo DD1, 3yo DS1 and 1yo DD2 & DS2 while I go to vote alone. I should have pulled my finger out and voted early, but my bad for not getting around to it. Seriously - it is one day, one day in 3years maybe one day a year if you take into account local elections - it really isn't that hard to postal vote, vote early or even find somewhere that is quieter or a quieter time to go down.

I would have had to lie to postal vote as I did not fit any of the categories. I did not know of my son's op at the time the postal votes came out and he has been waiting for over 12 months for his op. Risking his health and op by standing outside in crap weather is a huge deal to me. Maybe its worth copping the fine, but I do want to have my say. None of the polling places around here are quiet as I live in a high growth area so its pretty much always busy on voting days wherever you go.

[Georgias Mummy]

I am one of them I will do a donkey vote !

No idea about it all so best I leave the decision to those who know more about it. If I vote it could make leave the wrong person in charge, and I am sure no one wants that.

[Sheer Bliss]

I would have had to lie to postal vote as I did not fit any of the categories. I did not know of my son's op at the time the postal votes came out and he has been waiting for over 12 months for his op. Risking his health and op by standing outside in crap weather is a huge deal to me. Maybe its worth copping the fine, but I do want to have my say. None of the polling places around here are quiet as I live in a high growth area so its pretty much always busy on voting days wherever you go.

If you look at the AEC website, you could vote at several places up until 5pm today - not as a postal vote, just an early vote. Also - do they not have things at hospital these days so that people like yourself unexpectedly in hospital can vote? They always used to. I'm not saying it is easy, just that it isn't as hard for most as has been made out.

[Sheer Bliss]

a donkey vote is when you number sequentially down the page.

a lot of people do it...for this reason candidates are no longer listed in alphabetical order but randomly.

:)


I am one of them I will do a donkey vote !

No idea about it all so best I leave the decision to those who know more about it. If I vote it could make leave the wrong person in charge, and I am sure no one wants that.

See above - by donkey voting your vote WILL be counted!!!! I have no issue with people handing in a blank ballot paper because they have no idea, so think they are leaving it to others - that is their choice to make - not mine - but a donkey vote means your vote goes to someone, when you have no idea/don't care enough to find out.

[veve]

so much fuss about one day .. :laughing:

for those of you whinging about the weather ... maybe we have things more organised here in QLD??? the local schools make money having sausage sizzles, selling drinks and lollybags etc ... and we queue .. but we queue under the undercover walkways ??? the only time I MIGHT get wet is unloading the kids out of the car ... and timing the trip to vote I should be able to avoid that too..

I go to the local school, where I can park right on the fence line and walk maybe 100m to vote (if my child was unwell I would request to drive inside and park closer)...

its one day?! and voting at most would take an hour ...

I dont like it either - but I'll be damned if I let the people who dont agree with my political opinion vote, and then waste mine .. :p

I do believe that compulsory voting is a good thing (and some rather smart PPers have listed reasons why .. ) - I know that as australians (with the awesome culture that we have) .. most of us wouldn't be bothered dragging our butts out of bed - especially if it was cold/ raining .. :laughing: its extra motivation that voting is EXPECTED of us ..

[Amara]

If you look at the AEC website, you could vote at several places up until 5pm today - not as a postal vote, just an early vote. Also - do they not have things at hospital these days so that people like yourself unexpectedly in hospital can vote? They always used to. I'm not saying it is easy, just that it isn't as hard for most as has been made out.

We aren't at hospital til monday so thats out and I work so voting today was out too (not that I was aware that you could do that). I will just have to brave the weather and hope for the best.

[Penthesilea]

If you don't know who to vote for do an online quiz that takes you through different policies about different issues, and then tells you what party you most favour (ie, your values are in alignment with).

The Sydney Morning Herald site has such a quiz. It takes few minutes.

There are probably other sites too.

And the Get-Up site has a scorecard so you can see who has policies about what (although rated according to Get-Up values).

If you don't know who to vote for, I suggest you behave like a responsible citizen, and find out. (And not by asking your dad/DH/sister who they are voting for.)

[Georgias Mummy]

What does it matter they never do what they say they are going to do ! Rights ?? What about our right to not want to vote coz its a load of crap anyway.

[Amara]

Veve it does sound more organised where you are. Around here there are not covered walkways its just out in the elements at the local schools. The sausage sizzle is always under cover though. :-) Parking is generally in the street and there is not enough so you have to walk a fair distance usually. I enjoy the wait in nice weather, having a chat to those around me etc. But as we are expecting it to be between 6 and 13 degrees tomorrow with showers it wont be so pleasant. :-(

[FiveInTheBed]

What does it matter they never do what they say they are going to do ! Rights ?? What about our right to not want to vote coz its a load of crap anyway.

although we don't have the option to tick a 'none of the above' box here in Australia...

you can write it.

if you feel that strongly against it.

[FiveInTheBed]

Amara, have you got any friends/mothers group, or relatives around that could help you out?

If not - rug up.

If you think it is going to affect you bubs health...personally I would weigh it up...maybe let this one pass and pay the fine.

EDIT* ..lor like Mrs N below me suggests - respond to the letter including your fine with the fact that your child was ill and due to go into hospital.
(I mentioned before we almost copped a fine - our excuse was "moved house and thought we had filled out change of address forms - sorry" ...resulted in no fine :) )

[Mrs Nietzsche]

They are pretty easygoing on reasons to get out of the fine. I missed voting once as I was nearly 2 weeks overdue and couldn't face humanity. I got a fine but it had a bit where you can give a reason, which I did 'pregnant' and that was the end of it.

Dad said he missed voting once with a flu and just wrote 'flu' on the form and that was it.

I'm sure if you wrote that you were worried about your baby that would be fine.

On another note - this is a big part of the reason that the postal vote was brought in. To ensure that women who had responsibility for children etc weren't disadvantaged.

[Nowhere]

We aren't at hospital til monday so thats out and I work so voting today was out too (not that I was aware that you could do that). I will just have to brave the weather and hope for the best.

.

I know how hard it is to get out with a sick child I wil be out queing up to vote tomorow with My little girl and her medical equiptment, so wil many other parents, rug up the little man and put a cover over his buggy or put him in a baby carriers and rug him up, Make sure his back is nice and warm.

Its one day, one thing we are asked to do for our selfs for our country, we have men fighting in wars for us the least we can do is take the time to vote.

For the person that asked about voteing boths in hospitals at the last election they didnt have one at the childrens hospital but they did have one in the school across the road.