Voting in Australia

Your vote, your voice:
Citizens in Australia can choose representatives in the federal Parliament through voting.
Decisions made by elected representatives affect tax, marriage, the environment, trade, and immigration.
The publication aims to explain the electoral system to help Australians understand their government and their role in it.
Provided by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), an independent authority facilitating electoral services and educational resources.

Government in Australia: A brief history:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long-standing traditions of governance tied to their culture, laws, and relationships with the land.
British colonization began in 1788, establishing a prison colony under military governance without local input.
By the 1850s, six colonies had their own parliaments, though voting was limited (excluding women and many Indigenous Australians).
The push for national governance led to the drafting of the Australian Constitution.

The Constitution allowed states to maintain parliaments while transferring national powers to the federal Parliament.
Federated Australia on January 1, 1901, after referendums confirmed support from the colonies.
Established a representative democracy; all citizens aged 18+ can vote.
The approval process for federation involved the last remaining colony, Western Australia.

Voting rights evolution:
In 1901, voting was available to most male British subjects over 21.
In 1902, Australia became second worldwide to grant voting rights to women via the Commonwealth Franchise Act, but excluded many Indigenous Australians.
Full voting rights for Indigenous Australians were not achieved until 1962.
The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1973.
Secret ballot:
Introduced in 1856, allowing voters to express their preferences without intimidation.

Federal Parliament Structure:
Consists of two houses: House of Representatives and the Senate.
Majority support in the House of Representatives forms the government, led by the Prime Minister.
Opposition party comprises the largest group not holding majority support.
Ministers are selected from both houses.

Senate Structure:
Called the ‘States’ House’; each state and territory elects senators.
States have equal representation regardless of population; 12 senators from each state, 2 from each territory.
Senators serve fixed terms; half of state senators elected every three years.

Voting procedures:
Double dissolution elections: Occurs when there's a deadlock over proposed laws.
By-elections: Triggered when a House member vacates their seat, an electorate votes to fill the vacancy.

Electorates:
Defined by population, sizes vary; one member from each electorate represents in the House.
Redistributions ensure equity among electorates every seven years, considering population shifts.
The nexus between House members and senators maintained by constitutional guideline.

Voting Compulsory:
Citizens aged 18+ must vote, enrollment necessary.
Online enrollment or paper forms through the AEC.
Provides ways to vote and candidates to consider before election day.
Options for those unable to vote on the day include early voting or postal votes.

Election day processes:
Polling places operate on Saturdays; open 8 am to 6 pm.
Polling officials assist with the voting process; checked against registered voters.
Procedures for voting in secrecy and confirmation of identity as a voter.

Voting methods for Senate:
Two methods: Above the line (party-focused) or below the line (individual candidates).
Voters must follow specific numbering requirements for their preferences.

Counting Votes:
Votes counted for the House of Representatives; process of exclusion for candidates without majority.
Preferences passed until one candidate exceeds absolute majority.

Counting Senate votes:
Starts at closing of polling place, but results take longer to finalize than House votes.
Proportional representation requires candidates to meet a quota.

Referendum history:
Record of successful and unsuccessful changes; examples such as the 1967 Indigenous rights amendment.
Importance of plebiscites and polls in gauging public sentiment on issues.

Active Citizenship:
Mechanisms for citizens to influence governance: contacting MPs, petitions, committee contributions, and political activism.
Voting is one of many methods to engage in democracy.