The 16th of March is rapidly approaching, but where do you vote? What do you bring? How do you fill in the ballot paper? We've got the answers.
THE 5 STEP ELECTION DAY GUIDE.
From the moment you arrive, until the moment you leave, here's what to expect and what to do.
Step 1: Preparation
Firstly - have you enrolled to vote? Click here to make sure you're enrolled to vote.
WHERE CAN I VOTE?
You can vote at any listed polling booth
Polling booth locations may be different for early voting vs voting on the day - so make sure to check
If you are not going to be able to vote in person on the 16th, click here to find out about postal voting. If you want to use a postal vote you must apply for it by 5pm Friday 8 March.
WHAT DO I BRING?
All you need to bring is yourself!
Step 2: Queuing
When you arrive you will probably need to queue up to get inside.
The queue might be very long, so brace yourself and make sure you’re prepared for the weather if it’s going to be hot (or raining!)
Bonus YACSA tip:
We recommend sharing Smashed Avocado stories with people around you to pass the time.
Step 3: Ticking your name off
You will walk up to the official person at the desk.
They will find you on the electoral roll and cross off your name, give you your ballot paper, and send you on your way to a small, cardboard voting booth.
Bonus YACSA tip:
There's thousands of people in their book. It might take them a while to find your name. They've had a long day. Be nice to the election officials.
Step 4: Actually voting
For Voice Elections voters will get one ballot that has the candidates from within their region.
Put a '1' in the box next to your favourite candidate.
Put a '2' next to your second choice.
Keep going until you’re out of boxes or don’t wish to give any more preferences.
Note: you can number as many boxes as you like, but in order for your vote to be counted in these elections you need to indicate at least one preference. You can find our full post on how to vote in Voice Elections here.
You can find a practice ballot here.
If you make a mistake, you can always ask the official for a new sheet.
When you're done, check your ballot, fold it up, take it over to the ballot box and slide it in.
Step 5: Reward yourself
Well done! You have just democracy-ed (yes, we made that word up).
In fact, you’ve just democracy-ed in a way that’s never been done in Australia before - which is pretty cool!!
It's time to celebrate, we recommend a democracy sausage (or a fitting dietary alternative).
