Voting And Elections Flashcards
How and when is voting done?
Voting occurs on a Saturday for federal or state elections.
Local voting is done by post.
Elections occur every 3 years.
What is an ordinary vote?
Electoral officer asks for name and address at polling place and gives voters a ballot paper. Ballot filled out in private voting booth, then deposited.
What is an absentee vote?
A voter can make an absentee vote if they are not in their electorate on the day of the election.
What are pre-poll and postal votes?
Unable to attend polling place so must do through post.
How do you vote for the HOR?
Given a ballot paper, done by preferential voting. Voters are allocated to candidates in order of preference.
How do you vote for the Senate?
The ballot paper is divided into two sections. A voter must number at least six boxes above the line and twelve below.
What is preferential voting?
Preferential voting aims to have each person’s vote counted. This happens by first allocating candidates all their first preferences. When a clear majority cannot be seen, the candidate with the least number of votes has their votes re-allocated to other candidates in accordance with their second preference. This continues until a majority is obvious.
Requirements for voting…
Must be aged 18, must be an Australian citizen, must be living at current address for more than a month.
