What is worse in your opinion?

[Mummabear]

If someone knows little to nothing about politics and even less about how to vote properly and where their votes actually end up is it less responsible to vote 'to the best of their knowledge' or to not vote at all?

I'm genuinely interested in peoples views on this. I'm undecided on which is the lesser of two evils.

[elleandsam]

It's best to vote. They hand out fliers at polling booths on how to vote and you can also look it up on the aec.com.au website. There's really no excuse for not knowing how to vote.

[Guest1234]

I think probably not vote at all TBH.
For me though, I have no idea about it all, so I just follow DFs lead. I know who I'm voting for, but thats because DF has made the decision for me, he knows what its all about and follows it all. For me it hurts my head to even think about it all.
If he knew nothing about it either, I would put in a blank vote, rather than wing it and hope for the best.

[Mummabear]

Most of my problem is that I think they both stink. All I'm seeing is two parties slinging mud and accusations at each other and no real solutions or plans being discussed. I don't want either of these tantrum throwing idiots being the face of my country, they're both a disgrace and both parties seem to be constantly fighting internally. If they can't run their own parties without FratHouse antics how on earth can they run our country :confused:

[Pinkzy]

Most of my problem is that I think they both stink. All I'm seeing is two parties slinging mud and accusations at each other and no real solutions or plans being discussed. I don't want either of these tantrum throwing idiots being the face of my country, they're both a disgrace and both parties seem to be constantly fighting internally. If they can't run their own parties without FratHouse antics how on earth can they run our country :confused:

:iagree::yelclap: Nothing more than a beauty contest.
I agree with Mark Latham's advice.

[Leisa21]

I'd rather they took it seriously and spent 30 minutes having a quick look. However thats not an option so i chose they should vote anyway.

[Merla]

I think everyone should spend an hour to inform themselves, its really not that hard to compare the two major parties policies and pick the one that you hate least.

If someone is completely uninformed then I would suggest putting in a blank or micky vote, I would rather leave the fate of the country to those who know what there doing.

[Thalia]

Most of my problem is that I think they both stink. All I'm seeing is two parties slinging mud and accusations at each other and no real solutions or plans being discussed. I don't want either of these tantrum throwing idiots being the face of my country, they're both a disgrace and both parties seem to be constantly fighting internally. If they can't run their own parties without FratHouse antics how on earth can they run our country :confused:

:iagree:

I think I'd pay more attention if there was a genuine prospect of change by introducing a new govt.

[chicken and eggs mum]

I think if people dont really care on the outcome of the country to look at who to vote for then they just should not vote...

It doest take long....

Petrasmummy and Mummabear, I AGREE!!!

[elleandsam]

:iagree::yelclap: Nothing more than a beauty contest.
I agree with Mark Latham's advice.

I think Mark Latham's advice was so stupid. There are other ways to show the major parties that you're not happy, like voting Greens, Family First, Australian Sex Party or for an independent candidate.

[Mummabear]

There are other ways to show the major parties that you're not happy, like voting Greens, Family First, Australian Sex Party or for an independent candidate.

This is where I go all :confused::dizzy:, because don't these parties (or independents) just then place the votes you've given them into what THEY want to put them into. So basically you're passing over your vote to someone else to do with as they wish because at the end of the day it's still going to end up in the lap of one of the two major parties?????? *please keep in mind that this is a question, not a statement, as previously mentioned I have zero knowledge of voting procedures*

[Pinkzy]

Exactly...it's a preference system.

[sarajeff17]

Most of my problem is that I think they both stink. All I'm seeing is two parties slinging mud and accusations at each other and no real solutions or plans being discussed. I don't want either of these tantrum throwing idiots being the face of my country, they're both a disgrace and both parties seem to be constantly fighting internally. If they can't run their own parties without FratHouse antics how on earth can they run our country :confused:


:iagree: but anything is better than haveing abbot the tool .

[Lillynix]

Yes, it's a preference system BUT you can choose where YOU want the preferences to go by voting below the line and numbering every box.

It's really very simple, this website explains where each parties preferences go but also how to choose your own and you can even print it out to take with you: https://www.belowtheline.org.au/

For eg. I want to vote for The Greens, so will number (below the line) all my local Greens candidates first (1,2,3), then I want my preference to flow to the Democrats, so I then number all my local Dem. candidates (4,5,6), then I want that to flow onto my local Independent (7), then onto my local Labor candidates (8,9,10,11) and so on...

Make any sense?

[Mrs Nietzsche]

Well if they are going to vote liberal coz they don't know better, it's better if they donkey vote.

Otherwise, it's best to do a proper vote.

[Leisa21]

Well if they are going to vote liberal coz they don't know better, it's better if they donkey vote.

Otherwise, it's best to do a proper vote.When I first heard what Latham said I thought meh they're probably all liberal voters anyway :laughing:

But I still think people should take it seriously.

[KatiesMum]

This is where I go all :confused::dizzy:, because don't these parties (or independents) just then place the votes you've given them into what THEY want to put them into. So basically you're passing over your vote to someone else to do with as they wish because at the end of the day it's still going to end up in the lap of one of the two major parties?????? *please keep in mind that this is a question, not a statement, as previously mentioned I have zero knowledge of voting procedures*


absolutely NOT.

Your vote, if your #1 choice does not get in, gets allocated to YOUR next preference.

So if you vote Independants 1, 2 +3 ... and all of them are knocked out, your vote will then be allocated to whoever you put at #4

The 'How to Vote' sheets given out by most parties at the polling booths, tell you how the party you wish to vote for would like you to allocate these preferences, but you make your own choice. If you dont like what they suggest, do it your own way.

The party who wins the majority of seats in the House of Representatives - or Lower house .. not the Senate or Upper House


in the senate ... you can choose to vote 1 party above the line, or all of the candidates below the line individually. If you choose to vote 1 party above the line, they will then allocate your preferences ... but this is for the senate ONLY. The senate does NOT form the government.

[sunnymummy]

It's best to vote. They hand out fliers at polling booths on how to vote and you can also look it up on the aec.com.au website. There's really no excuse for not knowing how to vote.

Those flyers being handed out at polling places are printed by the parties telling you how they want you to vote. You DO NOT have to follow them.

The AEC is an impartial organisation that can tell you how to fill out your papers but still leave the decision of who you vote for up top you. Practice voting here. (http://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/How_to_vote/voting_practice.htm)


This is where I go all :confused::dizzy:, because don't these parties (or independents) just then place the votes you've given them into what THEY want to put them into. So basically you're passing over your vote to someone else to do with as they wish because at the end of the day it's still going to end up in the lap of one of the two major parties?????? *please keep in mind that this is a question, not a statement, as previously mentioned I have zero knowledge of voting procedures*


In the House of Representatives you vote on the small green ballot paper. You will elect ONE person. You need to put number 1 in the box for your first choice and then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. Therefore YOUR preferences go whereever YOU want them to go.

In the Senate you will vote on the large white ballot. You will elect 6 people (if you live in a state) or 2 people (if you live in a territory).
There are two different ways to vote.

You can vote below the line by putting number 1 in the box for your first choice and then number all the boxes in order of your choice. Bear in mind that there are HEAPS of names so this might take a long time to do.

OR

You can vote above the line by putting just a number 1 in the box for the party of your first choice. If you do this you are agreeing with the parties choice of preferences. You can check what their preferences are here (https://www.belowtheline.org.au/).

If you are happy with THEIR choices then vote above the line. If not vote below the line.

[Phyllis Stein]

This is where I go all :confused::dizzy:, because don't these parties (or independents) just then place the votes you've given them into what THEY want to put them into. So basically you're passing over your vote to someone else to do with as they wish because at the end of the day it's still going to end up in the lap of one of the two major parties?????? *please keep in mind that this is a question, not a statement, as previously mentioned I have zero knowledge of voting procedures*

No, you can just number your senate ballot paper yourself (below the line), which means *you* decide where your preferences go. You *must* number your entire House of Reps ballot paper or your vote won't be counted. If you don't wish to number your own senate paper, you can at least obtain your chosen party's preference card, which shows you where they will direct preferences.

[Mummabear]

But I still think people should take it seriously.

That's kind of what I think, which leads me to think that if you're not taking it seriously and you are just going to throw random numbers in the boxes without understanding the consequences of those numbers then you shouldn't do it at all.


It's really very simple, this website explains where each parties preferences go but also how to choose your own and you can even print it out to take with you: https://www.belowtheline.org.au/ (https://www.belowtheline.org.au/)

Thanks for that. I'll be sure to check it out.

In all honesty I've never voted properly. I've never understood it and I've never really wanted to understand the ramblings of those idiots. But I realise that's just not a good enough outlook and I need to be a responsible citizen and make the effort to make an informed decision. It would just be a lot easier if they weren't all a bunch of tossers :rolleyes:

[sunnymummy]

Well if they are going to vote liberal coz they don't know better, it's better if they donkey vote.

Otherwise, it's best to do a proper vote.

(This is not directed at you specifcally Mrs N ;))

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.

[Tweak]

People die for the chance to vote
I don't care if you make the decsion on how big their noses are
not voting at all laughs in the face of all those who only dream to have a democratic parliment

[Mummabear]

(This is not directed at you specifcally Mrs N ;))

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.

I often wondered about that. I thought what happens if my preference happens to be 1,2,3,4, etc.... surely they couldn't disregard it. Cheers for the clarification :thumbsup:

[Mrs Nietzsche]

yes, my bad!

[elleandsam]

Those flyers being handed out at polling places are printed by the parties telling you how they want you to vote. You DO NOT have to follow them.

The AEC is an impartial organisation that can tell you how to fill out your papers but still leave the decision of who you vote for up top you. Practice voting here. (http://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/How_to_vote/voting_practice.htm)

.

Last time I voted there was someone from the AEC who had an impartial flier telling you how you vote, there's also an ad from the AEC that was on talking about you number your preferences on the green form etc etc.

That's what I was talking about, not the crap the parties hand out.

[Mrs Nietzsche]

It's a shame labor and liberal aren't automatically excluded from the top spot to limit the effect of donkey voting.

[ComeBackKid]

It's best to vote. They hand out fliers at polling booths on how to vote and you can also look it up on the aec.com.au website. There's really no excuse for not knowing how to vote.

:iagree:

[Savingfishfromdrowning]

People should vote to the best of their ability, voting is not just for people who can understand all the intricacies of politics, it's for everyone.

I don't know anyone, regardless of their level of education, who just chooses their vote on the basis on liking the sound of the name...

[Mummabear]

I don't know anyone, regardless of their level of education, who just chooses their vote on the basis on liking the sound of the name...

Well, I didn't think anyone would actually take that statement literally, I actually wanted to say 'what colours they're wearing' but remembered it's not a horse race :laughing:

[sunnymummy]

Well, I didn't think anyone would actually take that statement literally, I actually wanted to say 'what colours they're wearing' but remembered it's not a horse race :laughing:

I have heard that sadly up to 20% :eek: of voters make up their mind based on exactly this kind of thing. If they like their tie or haircut (or colour), a simple off-the-cuff statement they make or what they choose to drink.


It is quite a worrying statistic.

[FiveInTheBed]

I have heard that sadly up to 20% :eek: of voters make up their mind based on exactly this kind of thing. If they like their tie or haircut (or colour), a simple off-the-cuff statement they make or what they choose to drink.


It is quite a worrying statistic.


kinda off track - but my MIL is "'disappointed' in Julia because she has worn the smae jacket a few times on telly" ...:confused:....apparently, being a woman she should be making more of an effort to look nice!!

:barf: --- gosh I hope most of that generation don't think like that!!

[maliwoo]

I think people should vote anyway, even if they think they are not informed enough to understand the intricacies of politics. The act of voting makes you stop and think about how you want the country to be run. It is really important to vote, and so many countries don't have the chance to.
You may not understand it all today, but maybe in the future you will take more of an interest because voting always counts!

[meme]

I agree with maliwoo.

I didn't know what I was doing when I started voting but I think that having a vote is a great thing and so I have gradually listened to those I admire and with the internet been able to learn more about politics.

I still don't feel I know all that much. but my vote is worth something to me, it is my chance to have my input and that doesn't have to make sense to anyone else but me because this is the basis of democracy right? it's the peoples choice, not some peoples choice.


Ideally all people would know something about it, or maybe we do need an opt out option as a valid choice?

[Merla]

I agree with maliwoo.

I didn't know what I was doing when I started voting but I think that having a vote is a great thing and so I have gradually listened to those I admire and with the internet been able to learn more about politics.

I still don't feel I know all that much. but my vote is worth something to me, it is my chance to have my input and that doesn't have to make sense to anyone else but me because this is the basis of democracy right? it's the peoples choice, not some peoples choice.


Ideally all people would know something about it, or maybe we do need an opt out option as a valid choice?

But if a voter does not understand what they are voting for they may not be voting in their best interest, so there bring counterproductive by voting?