Without mentioning politics do you vote? Why or why not?
I have voted in every federal and state election since I was eighteen.
Why? Because I am damned lucky to live in a country where I can vote. Australia is a parliamentary democracy, meaning the people choose representatives at regular elections.
It is also compulsory. All Australian citizens over the age of 18 (except those of unsound mind or convicted of serious crimes) must be registered to vote and show up at the poll on election day.
The main reason for compulsory voting was our laid back ‘she’ll be right, mate’ attitudes. After Federation in 1901, the forging of the new Commonwealth was ‘a bit troubled’. The 5 million people spread around this large continent weren’t interested in voting. The new parliament was concerned and the impetus from both major parties to introduce compulsory voting was the stark decline in voter turnout. From 71% of registered voters attending the polls in 1919 to just 59% in 1922. The worried politicians agreed something had to be done before they were out of a job!
In 1924 compulsory voting became law and the impact was immediate. 
Voter numbers at the 1925 election rose to 91%. I bet there were sighs of relief within the hallowed halls of government.
Elections are held on Saturdays. Absent voters can vote in any state polling place or apply for a postal vote. Mobile polling facilities are set up in some hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and remote areas.
Of course, there are arguments for and against.
The For team –
It’s a civic duty comparable to jury duty, taxation, compulsory education. Parliament reflects more accurately the will of the people. The voter is only compelled to show up at a polling place, the actual voting is by secret ballot.
The Against team –
Infringement of liberty. The politically ignorant’ and those with little interest in the polls forced to attend. It may increase the number of ‘donkey votes.’
I personally feel giving up half an hour of my time once every three years is a small price to pay for a democratically elected government.
And, if you don’t want to vote, don’t complain later.
What do you think?
Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.
The Woman Behind the Mirror
The Proposition
Lies of Gold—Silver Historical for 2019: Coffee Pot Book Club
I love that people are required to go to a polling place. I hate early voting and vote by mail. For something so important, I think people should be invested enough to go to a polling station and vote. As you say, it’s little time and only every few years. On the other hand, every election I think there are some people I think I’d rather not have vote. 😉
A few years ago we had a hung parliament, in other words, almost a draw. That’s when every vote counts.
It is so different here in the US. There are multiple polls throughout every election year. As a new citizen in the US I have voted twice already this year and we arnt even at the Nov election. I am not sure that mandated voting here would work. There are so many rules. But I do believe that every citizen should be required to actually show up at a polling booth.
Thanks for your reply Jeanette.