Voting? Here’s how to make sure yours counts this election
After an endless stream of campaigning, gaffes and debates, election day is upon us – and it’s time for Australians to cast their votes for the next government.
Unless you’re one of the 4,617,905 or 1,644,061 Australians who have voted at a pre-poll centre or by postal vote as of May 20, you’ll likely be lining up at your local polling place (or the nearest one to you if you’re out of area), buying a democracy sausage, and casting your vote.
Though it might be tedious to navigate the crowd of party supporters outside, answer the same three questions and fill in the ‘tablecloth’ (Senate) ballot paper once you’re inside, it’s all part of having our voices heard (all while avoiding the $50 fine for not voting).
Having personally worked during the last two federal elections (and preparing to work in this one), here’s what you need to know and some tips for making sure your vote counts this time around.
What happens after you vote
Once it hits 6pm, polling booths close and the paperwork begins, with staff then sorting and counting the ballot papers, collating results, and calling in these results to be displayed on the AEC website.
If it’s getting close to 6pm and you haven’t voted yet, you still can. If you’re in the queue to vote once 6pm hits, a staff member will stand at the end of the line and everyone ahead of them will be allowed to vote before the polling booth closes.
Image: AEC
How to make your House of Representatives vote count
This small, green ballot paper lists all the candidates that want to represent your local electoral division in the House of Representatives, and there are a few ways to ensure your vote is considered formal and counted towards the candidate of your choice.
For the House of Representatives, you’ll need to number every box, with number one in the box next to your first preference, number two next to your second preference, and so on.
Staff are trained to err in the favour of voters when deciding if a vote is formal or informal, so if you make a mistake on your ballot - or even change your mind about how to number your preferences - make sure your numbering of candidates is clear (or ask for a new one).
Your vote will be considered informal if:
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It’s blank or unmarked
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Numbers are repeated
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You use ticks or crosses
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There is anything written on it that identifies who you are
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It’s missing your first preference or any other numbers from the sequence
It’s important to note that you can ask for a new ballot from the person who originally gave you the ballot papers, and that you can ask for help to complete the vote.
What about the Senate?
The white ballot paper - sometimes fondly referred to as the “tablecloth” - is the same no matter where you are in your state or territory.
The Senate ballot is split into two sections, giving you the choice to vote above the line or below the line. You can either vote for parties or groups, listed above the line, or for individual candidates listed below the line.
To vote formally, you’ll need to either number at least six boxes above the line or at least 12 below the line in order of your preference.
If you have numbered boxes both above and below the line, your below-the-line preferences will be the ones that are counted.
As with the House of Representatives ballot, if you make a mistake you can ask for a fresh ballot, and you can ask for help completing the ballot if you need it.
What if I have Covid and I’m in isolation?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and will still be in isolation on election day, that doesn’t mean you can’t still vote.
The AEC has made it so that Covid-positive voters can vote over the phone, as long as they register online, make a declaration and provide evidence of a positive RAT or PCR test result.
To find out more about voting by phone and registering, head here.
I’m not in my division on the day - can I still vote?
Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, and you’ll need to complete a declaration vote. This will require you to make a declaration that you are entitled to vote. Once you’ve voted, your ballots will be sealed in an envelope with your details and sent to your local electoral division to be counted.
However, if you’re not in your home state on election day, you won’t be able to vote at just any polling place. If you do attend a local polling place, the staff member in charge will direct you to your closest interstate voting centre, which you can also find here.
Image: AEC