How to vote in the Federal Election

**Note: before you read this, please make sure you're registered to vote. There's nothing worse than showing up on election day and finding out you didn't register, and can't vote. Click here to make sure you're enrolled to vote.

 

HOW TO FILL IN YOUR BALLOT PAPERS

There are two ballot papers: The small green one, and the big white one. We'll break them down separately.

First, some key points:

  • The ballot papers have the instructions on them, so you don't have to memorise this. It's just to help you be know what you will be faced with.

  • If you make a mistake, you can always ask for another ballot paper.

  • Technically, legally, you don't need to fill in the ballot papers. You can hand them in blank if you really want to.

  • If you draw an illustration, or write things on your ballot papers, and those drawings or writing enters the square boxes... there's a chance your vote could not count. So... be smart.

 

Ok. Let's go.


THE SMALL GREEN ONE

Proper title: House of Representatives Ballot Paper

Who am I voting for: A person to represent your electorate in the House of Representatives (lower house)

What does that actually mean: You’re picking someone who will represent you and your area in South Australia.

What does it look like?

How do I fill it in:

  • Put a '1' in the box next to your favourite candidate (or party).

  • Put a '2' in the next next to your second favourite.

  • Keep going until all the boxes are marked.

  • Alternatively, you can mark the candidate or party you like the least with the lowest possible number, and work your way up.

  • Make sure the numbers are clear.

  • You have to mark all the boxes for your vote to be valid.

 You can practise voting for the House of Representatives using this ballot here.

THE BIG WHITE ONE

Proper Title: Senate Ballot Paper

Who am I voting for: The make-up of the Senate (upper house)

What does that actually mean: You’re voting for who you think should review legislation passed through the lower house

What does it look like?

How do I fill it in:

  • Same as above, in that you put a '1' next to your favourite candidate, a '2' for your second favourite, and so on.

  • If you vote 'above the line', you need to mark at least six boxes 1-6.

  • If you vote 'below the line', you need to mark at least twelve boxes 1-12.

  • However, with both, you are free to mark as many as you like.

 You can practise voting for the Senate here.

Team YACSA