Just voted ...
 

Going to be busy at a conference next Saturday so I availed myself of the services of the early-voting station. Given the choice between voting 'above the line' and putting a single '1' in a one box, or grading 84(!) other candidates in my own order, I plumped for the former option. Glad it's out of the way - I wouldn't have bothered if it hadn't been compulsory because I do not live in a marginal, therefore haven't seen millions of dollars chucked at local causes. Democracy in action.

Re: Just voted ...
 

I got a "guide on how to vote" in my mailbox the other day It was cleverly disguised as a 27 page technical instruction manual. I started to read it but when I got to the bit about above the line, below the line and taking advice on prefereces - I decided that maybe I wont become an Australian Citizen after all. Strewth mate.

Plus I think I'd rather pay the fine than put my name to some of the tosh thats on offer. :blink:

Re: Just voted ...
 

:thumbup: I had one of those booklets. Postman threw it on the ground and the rain got it, such a shame :lol:

Re: Just voted ...
 

Yeh dont you just hate it when that happens. I hope you took it in and dried it out so you could read it. I can send you mine if you like...............................oops I think the dog pooped on it! :D

Re: Just voted ...
 

Awww I'd love you to dry it for me, but it was just too soggy, such a shame, I'm sure it was fascinating :lol:

Re: Just voted ...
 

Fine, what's all that about, how much?

Re: Just voted ...
 

Voting is compulsory in Australia for all citizens. If you are eligible to vote and dont - they fine you. $20. Or $50 plus costs if you elect to dispute in court.

More info......
http://www.aec.gov.au/faqs/voting_australia.htm

Re: Just voted ...
 

Thanks, very odd. The logic being...if voting were optional people wouldn't bother (as they don't hold politicians in high regard)? Do the Aborigines have to vote?

Re: Just voted ...
 

Er............is that a joke? :blink:

Re: Just voted ...
 

Turned out as one.

Re: Just voted ...
 

Sure did. I think the only way a citizen can get out of voting is if they are serving more than 3 years in jail or if they have been convicted of treason. Or if they are crazy! :unsure:

Re: Just voted ...
 

Right. No escape for B.E. members from Oz then.

Re: Just voted ...
 

Not sure about that. Crazy gets most of them off the hook I reckon. ;) And for those of us who are not citizens yet we just have to watch the excitement from afar! :rofl:

Re: Just voted ...
 

Thanks, I was waiting for you to write that. Good thing about Japan is that one could live here fifty or a hundred years and still not get invited to become a citizen.

Re: Just voted ...
 

You don't need to vote to avoid the fine, just register at the polling station, stand on the table provided, strip, and yell "vote for this you ba5tards" and providing the wife isn't there to critique your performance you may not be fined.