Published on 28 November 2007
in politics.
Yonks and yonks and yonks ago, the Gypsy Librarian asked me about compulsory voting* in Australia and what I thought about it. I think it’s a good thing, and prepared to blog my response. I researched the topic, read stuff about it, thought about it, made copious notes, and then lost all impetus to write about it.
What I should have done was just sit down and write the reasons compulsory voting is A Good Thing. Justine Larbalestier has, and I couldn’t have said it better if I’d tried.
I like our system. I feel really proud to be a citizen of this country on election day. Turn up at a polling place and everyone is waiting quietly and patiently to cast their vote. No dramas, no threats. Oh, and while it means nothing at all, I like refusing the How To Vote cards, politely, of course, from the volunteers from particular parties. (Yes I’m petty.)
*Technically, it’s not compulsory voting, in the sense that no one actually compels you to vote. What’s compulsory is attendance at a polling place; if you don’t turn up, you’re fined.
Woke this morning with the lines from Jabberwocky in my mind. Specifically:
“And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
He chortled in his joy.
Says it all, really. (Amusingly, it seems that John Quiggin had a similar reaction.)
I’m pleased but unsure what direction the new government will take next - there’s been too much me-tooism for my liking. Over the campaign (and before that) I found myself wishing they would stop echoing the Libs. I do hope this new government will be more compassionate. And I agree with Kathryn, we need to focus on conservation and sustainability, economic growth alone is not the answer.
To celebrate I even broke my daily limit of one-per-day alcohol consumption and had TWO beers. I think I needed the cold fizziness to wash down the huge amounts of vege chips, sunflower seeds and melon seeds I consumed while watching the tally on Aunty. What was with the continual ruckus from that stupid audience, though? I kept expecting Kerry O’Brien to stand up, turn around, and yell “SHUT UP!!!” I wish someone did!
What are you going to be doing tomorrow, for the federal election? Besides voting, that is. Are you one of those people for whom observing the results is way more interesting than watching the Grand Final? I am, and I’m going to be watching after 6pm tomorrow (I think that’s when the polls close in this state), with bated breath.
I’ve never been a swinging/undecided voter, but in case you’re still pondering who you should vote for, try this.
