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oatgnist · Joined: 07 Aug 2004 Posts: 90

Australians to Go to the Polls on Oct. 9th

"CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) - Australians will vote on Oct. 9 in a cliff-hanger election pitting the conservative government against center-left Labor, with national security and the economy key issues, Prime Minister John Howard said on Sunday."

Guest · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 11:07 am Post subject:

I left Australia yesterday and I will not be voting from now on. How will they fine me if I do not go back there? Should I be letting anyone know that I will no longer be voting?

I have been here in China for the past year and did not vote.

Deborann · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:55 pm Post subject:

You can still vote in China - either through a postal vote (you will need to fax a request to the AEC - check their web pages) or in person at the Embassy. Not certain if the GZ, Shanghai missions have polling booths.

To ensure you you don't get fined for not voting you can also advise the AEC that you are overseas - you will remain on the roll for 6 years, and will need to advise further each year after that.

Otherwise you will be sent nasty letters and have to put in affidavits etc stating that you were overseas and therefore not required to vote, to ensure that the you don't get fined.

Aramas · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 1:34 am Post subject:

I suspect it will probably take a generation to undo what the present government has done. I love what my country was, and despise what it has become. The concentration camps in the desert and the complicity in the annexation of Afghanistan and Iraq are just the tip of the iceberg. The privatised unemployment industry makes finding work incredibly difficult, and enduring the constant humiliation and harrassment while looking for work is unbearable. The extraordinary level of over-regulation of every aspect of our lives continues to escalate.

This isn't my country - it's a small, petty, hateful, travesty of what it was.

Vote and leave. Perhaps our children can be repatriated to a country worth living in.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Is it true that Aussies must vote by law, and it is against the law not to vote?

surfingyogini · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 13 Location: Noosa, AUST

yeah, everyone over 18... You get a fine if you don't vote and don't have a reason why you couldn't. My boyfriend didn't vote in the recent state elections and got a fine... hahaha! I personally think its a good idea. At least it means that who ever gets elected is more of a true representation of the people rather than just the educated (wealthy) minority or those with a barrow to push.

Guest · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 7:40 am Post subject:

Yes it is true that we have to vote and we get fined if we do not, but I am not voting anymore. Firstly I live in China now, and secondly there has been nobody decent to vote for during recent years so they can go ahead and fine me all they wish.

Aramas · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 2:04 pm Post subject:

I was fined for not voting in the last Queensland elections - $37.50 AUD. That's about enough to buy two beers in the UK.

I was fined once before for not voting in a Tasmanian election but when I went to pay it they said they didn't want the money.

le0n · Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Posts: 786

Could be an interesting vote. John Howard is the first leader of the Coalition of the willing to face an election.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Ocker · Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 23

I'll be at the polling booth bright and early -- to vote for John Howard.

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

perhaps it ensures mediocrity in our politicians

Deborann · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:18 am Post subject:

Those who truly 'don't care' can cast an invalid vote. But percentage wise this is really low. So by having compulsory voting people do actually think for a few minutes each election (which includes Federal, State and local) about what they want for themselves and their country.

Much better than leaving the voting to the invested interests. Sometimes having a relatively disinterested electorate means a more balanced government :>))I. .

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

Completely off the topic at hand...

I got it now! Deborann, you are going to retire to either Lord Howe Island or Norfolk Island. I'm right, yeah?

surfingyogini · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 13 Location: Noosa, AUST

Couldn't agree more Deborann...