South Australians return to the polls this week, just two months after voting in the SA State Election, but what’s different about this one?
Broadly, this election is to elect federal representatives who will make decisions on areas that are federal responsibilities. In the state election we voted for state representatives who will make decisions in areas that are a state/territory responsibility. More info on what different levels of government are responsible for here.
We vote in ALMOST the same way in both state and federal elections. We get a lower house (green) and upper house (white) ballot to fill out and number every box on the lower house ballot from your most to least preferred candidate.
The upper house ballot is where we have a key difference. We still choose whether to vote above the line or below the line, but for this election if you’re voting above the line you need to number at least six boxes, rather than one like on the state ballot.
This just means that this time around if you want to vote above the line you need to find six parties or ‘groups’ that you’re willing to vote for – you might not recognise them all on the ballot, so check out this list of all the parties and candidates you can vote for in this election.
If you’re voting below the line it’s the same as the state election, number at least 12 boxes.
We preference candidates so that if your first choice doesn’t get the votes they need to win a seat your vote can transfer to your next choice. Your vote will only every be transferred by the preferences you select.
This election cycle there has been a lot of misinformation circulating on social media about preferences, particularly labelling preferencing minor parties and independents as a ‘wasted vote’.
The idea that voting for someone who may not get enough votes to win a seat isn’t valid is quite simply untrue. If the seat is going to come down to the two major parties then your vote will just transfer to whichever you preferenced higher.
