Never as patriotic as when you're overseas
Democracy arrived today in the form of one green and one white ballot paper.I am actually quite excited to be voting in this election, please, let it be the end of the Howard era, please. The papers are foretelling a Labor landslide, which slightly concerns me. Australians always love the underdog. Though it will be (almost) all my christmas wishes come early, if next Saturday Maxine McKew is elected to the seat of Bennelong. That, and world peace.
I also feel slightly privileged to have TWO ballot forms, for both the upper and lower house. A rare thing for a resident of the UK to hold in their hands, seeing as membership to their upper house is inherited or bestowed - through political or religious affiliation it would seem. Though it seems not all of Britain is happy about it.
So I am in the process of checking out the preference deals for the senate, which is VERY important if you want to vote above the line. I know it's quicker and there's less chance of invalidating your vote if you just stick a 1 above the line - but remember what happened in the Victorian Senate in the federal elections of 2004, where dodgy preference deals lead to the election of a Family First senator despite a very slim primary vote.
If you're going to vote above the line - check who you're really voting for. It's quick and easy to check out the senate preference flows for all the parties in your state. Make sure you agree with the way that the numbers go before committing to a 1 above the line. For example: In NSW a "1" above the line for the Greens will also support the Climate Change Coalition and the What Women Want party - as this is where their preferences will flow. Which may be fine with you if you've heard of these parties and read their policies (and want to vote for Dr. Karl), but you might want to check first. And here endth the lecture from Dr. Krystal.
Though i have always thought that the main drawback of democracy was that unless i agree with the majority it is harder to have my voice heard. However, I will be very interested to dial up theage.com.au next saturday morning and see what Australia has decided.
posted by Dr Krystal @ 2:17 pm
3 Comments:
Here's another tip: if you vote backwards in the senate, as I do, start from the top of the column rather than the bottom.
Let's say you wanted to vote against the Evil Fascist Party who currently have many senators. Start from the top of the column, numbering backwards. That takes votes away from their experienced senators, possibly causing a change of senator for that position, even if not to a different party.
Tricksy. Or, you could just vote above the line. Caveat Emptor.
That's a very interesting point, I'm someone who doesn't have a very high opinion of our current government and the direction the UK could be going, but I'm sure I'd become a lot more patriotic if I lived abroad.
Never thought of that before!
I find it funny that you mention Maxine McKew winning Bennelong - because she will!! lol...
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