organisedI'm not usually one to get on a soap box, but this is one of those times that I will make the effort. If you are eligible to vote and you're not enrolled, enrol now. If your enrollment details are wrong, fix them up now.
If you are eligible to vote and you don't then you have no right to bitch and complain about the government we currently have/will have. If you can't be bothered to make the effort to do it, then you don't have the right to complain.
Due to changes in the way that voter enrollment works, it is best to make sure your enrollment is up to date before the election. If you are enrolling for the first time, or re-enrolling after being removed for any reason, then you have until 8pm on the day the election is called to have enrolled. If you are 17 but will turn 18 before the election, you will become an Australian citizen (and therefore eligible to vote) or you are enrolled but wish to update address and name details, then you have until 8pm three days after the election is called to enroll/update your enrollment.
As a result, no more can you update your enrollment for up to a week or two after they call the election. With the current changes it's best to ensure that your enrollment is correct before hand.
The important questions that people may be asking are:
- Who is eligible to vote? Australian Electoral Commission answers that one.
- How does someone enroll? Australian Electoral Commission also answers that one.
- How can I check if my enrollment details are correct? Australian Electoral Commission is able to help you on that one as well.
artbroken did a number of posts last year on the Victorian State Election as to the whys and wherefores, most of which is applicable to a Federal election as well, as far as I am aware.These posts include:
- Fun Election Facts #1 - The Almighty Dollar (Forty)
- Fun Election Facts #2 - Represent and Throw Down
- Fun Election Facts #3 - Gentlemen Prefer Votes
- Fun Election Facts #4 - Upper House Downer House
In summary, people bitch and moan about the country/state/locality all the time, and don't have a clue what their part in this is. Please read up, think for yourself and make an informed choice. I don't care if you vote for someone I hate, as long as your vote is your vote and not some one else's.
Democracy is a dirty job, but imagine the alternatives.
