The Australian electoral system (fun, fun, fun!)

Our electoral system After much experimentation (aka arguments) and change over the past 150 years, Australia has found electoral arrangements that are accepted by Australia’s people, political parties, and parliamentarians.

Compulsory voting Voting is compulsory (you have to do it) at both federal elections and at elections for the state and territory. You must be an Australian citizen to vote. You start voting at the age of 18

What happens if I do not vote? After each election, the AEC(Australian electoral council) will send a letter to all apparent non-voters requesting that they either provide a valid and sufficient reason for failing to vote or pay a $20 penalty. If, within the time period specified on the notice, you fail to reply, cannot provide a valid and sufficient reason or decline to pay the $20 penalty, then the matter may be referred to a court. If the matter is dealt with in court and you are found guilty, you may be fined up to $170 plus court costs and a criminal conviction may be recorded against you. + VS

Voting systems The Australian electoral system has experienced three types of voting systems: First past the post Preferential voting and Proportional representation (single transferable vote).

First past the post ‘winner takes all’ Under this system, the winner is the candidate with the most number of votes, though not necessarily an absolute majority of votes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi-FqIe9vl8

Preferential voting Under this system, voters number the candidates on the ballot paper in the order of their preference. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xs1TUGwqiE -BtN clip “Preferential Voting” http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s3835708.htm - Good for J&R groups

Proportional representation This system is designed to allocate parliamentary seats to parties in proportion to their overall vote. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE1vUdfg8Rs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG_X285UODA

What do we use? ‘First past the post’ voting was used up until 1843. Today, preferential voting and proportional representation are used for all Australian parliamentary elections. Preferential voting is a majority system which attempts to ensure that a candidate secures an absolute majority of votes. Proportional representation systems are designed to allocate parliamentary seats to parties in proportion to their overall vote.

Your task (answers in ENH book) Q1) What is compulsory voting? Can anyone vote or are there special conditions? Q2) What will happen if you don’t vote? Q3) In your own words describe the ‘First past the post’ voting system. Q4) In your own words describe the ‘Preferential’ voting system Q5) In your own words describe the ‘Proportional representation’ voting system. Q6) What system(s) do we use in Australia? Q7)Do you agree/disagree with any of the systems? Why/why not. Q8) Can you think of another way to vote that would be fair?