Thread by @BelindaJones68

Hi #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

Let's have a chat about the election

A 🧵

On May 21, 2022 Australians will vote in a federal election. Voting is compulsory for all citizens over 18.

If you're not enrolled, you still have time:
Close of Rolls is Monday 18 April, 2022
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#auspol

Australians will vote for candidates in the House of Representatives (Lower House) and a half Senate election (Upper House)

This is NOT a 'double dissolution' election, so that means we are only voting for half the Senate (38 Senate seats will be contested)
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#auspol #ausvotes

First of all, starting with the House of Reps

All 151 seats will be contested.

The Green Ballot Paper is for the House of Reps

You DO NOT have to vote according to 'How To Votes', these are a guide only.

You can choose which order you put your numbers in
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#auspol #ausvotes

You MUST put a number in every box on your Green Ballot Paper

If you fail to number EVERY BOX your vote will be considered 'informal' & will not be recorded for ANY candidate

I'll say again....YOU MUST NUMBER EVERY BOX on your Green Ballot Paper for the House of Reps
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#auspol

If you do follow 'How To Votes'
*(they are the papers handed to you as you enter the polling place by ppl supporting their candidate, you do NOT have to take them if don't want to)*
then be sure you agree with where their preferences flow.

This is a critical point.
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#auspol

What's a 'preference'?

If your No.1 choice candidate doesn't get enough votes & is knocked-out of the race, then your No.2 choice candidate will get your vote, & so on

Preferences are SUPER important

Preferences can decide elections
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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

For example, if you like a candidate that aligns with your values & you follow their 'How To Vote' you may find that their 'How To Vote' gives their 'preferences' to a candidate you really don't like.

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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

Just number the boxes as YOU wish, you DON'T have to follow any 'How To Vote', you can if you wish to or your can put your choices in the order YOU want

It's YOUR choice

Remember, you MUST number every box.
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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

OK, let's talk about the Senate

To vote for your choice for the Senate you will need to fill out the big White Ballot Paper.

This is a half-Senate election - so we are voting for 38 Senate seats

The Senate has 76 Senate spots in total
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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

Currently, our Senate is:
38 - to be contested on May 21

The remaining 38 Senator's terms will expire in June 2025, they are held by:
15 - Liberal (Coalition)
2 - LNP (Coalition)
1 - Nationals (Coalition)
12 - Labor
6 - Greens
1 - PHON
1 - JLN
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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

So, b4 voting for The Senate consider a couple of things:

1. What's the purpose of the Senate?

Answer: The Senate acts as a 'check on govt', to scrutinize legislation, govt admin & govt policy. This is a vital role in maintaining a healthy democracy
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#auspol #ausvotes

2. What would be the strengths and weaknesses of the Govt holding the balance of power in both the Senate & House of Reps?

Answer:
- Less scrutiny
- More bills/legislation passing
- A good govt will do more good
- A bad govt will do more bad

I digress
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#auspol #ausvotes

OK, back to the BIG WHITE SENATE BALLOT PAPER

There are two ways to fill out the big White Ballot Paper

1. Vote above the line
OR
2. Vote below the line.

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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

If YOU choose option 1: number at least 6 boxes above the line for the parties or groups of your choice

OR

If YOU choose option 2: number at least 12 boxes above the line for the parties or groups of your choice
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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022
aec.gov.au/voting/how_to_…

Follow the instructions carefully to make your vote count.

Ask for help if you need it, AEC staff are there to help you

AEC staff cannot advise you about WHO to vote for, YOU make that choice, they can only advise you HOW to vote properly

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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

Keep up-to-date over the campaign

Some great websites to follow for accurate, up-to-date info:

1. Antony Green's Election Blog, Australia's pre-eminent psephologist antonygreen.com.au

2. AEC - aec.gov.au
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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

3. PEO - Parliamentary Education Office, learn about the Australian Federal Parliament, how Bills are passed, how our Senate & House of Reps operate. Everything you need to know, great for all ages - peo.gov.au
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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

Finally, my tips as a layperson & political observer:

-Do your homework & make sure your vote counts

-Pay attention

-ALL politicians are NOT the same

-YOUR vote is important

-Every Aussie is affected by politics

-Be nice to AEC staff

-Vote wisely
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#auspol #ausvotes

Oh, one more thing

On polling day, your local community clubs/other community orgs may be running a sausage sizzle or cake stall etc for fundraising.

Take a bit of coin & help 'em out

Lastly, cherish our democracy, it's so so precious
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#auspol #ausvotes #AusVotes2022

@threadreaderapp unroll please
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Oops oops oops

Typo alert

Option 2 should read:
*If YOU choose option 2: number at least 12 boxes BELOW the line for the parties or groups of your choice

Below the line

Sorry, my mistake
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