As the AEC is doing tonight, listing their full candidate roster for the next federal elections. You can find all this information listed in ballot paper order on their website. As many Americans know, this is a critical step in our electoral process. Shortly, voters will get their hands on sample ballots for the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Through these example ballots, voters will be faced with very clear and precise directions on how to correctly complete their ballots. To have your vote counted on the Senate ballot paper, you need to number at least six boxes above-the-line for the party or group of your choice. Or, you can decide to rank at least twelve boxes beneath-the-line for specific candidates. Filling these ballots out correctly is important to make sure that every vote counts the way you want it to.
The Unique Process of Candidate Selection
Typically, the AEC decides the final order of candidates on federal election ballot papers using a novel technique. Using a blindfold and numbered balls in a spinning bingo cage, the AEC’s method seems like a bingo game. This approach introduces a little surprise magic to the game. It ensures that no candidate receives a benefit not available to their competitors simply because they are the incumbent.
The AEC places great importance on transparency, neutrality, and fairness in the voting process. They promise that they will count a ballot even if all a voters’ intent is not clear. If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, that ballot might not be counted. More than just circling a number or writing an explanation in words can trigger this unwarranted rejection. To make sure they don’t get confused, voters must be sure to fill in the “1” in the bubble next to their first choice. Next, have them rank their favorites in alphabetical order!
Understanding Voting Preferences
Voting correctly helps ensure that everyone’s voice is heard on election day. For those who will vote in the upcoming special Senate election, knowing how to properly complete their ballot can make the difference of a few hundred votes. Voters should be made cognizant that misleading marks may result in their votes being counted informal. In the 2022 federal election, an estimated 5.1 percent of votes for the House of Representatives were declared informal. What’s more, 3.4 percent of Senate votes fit this definition.
Interestingly, “donkey votes”—ballots where people vote 1, 2, 3, etc.—are actually accepted as legitimate votes by the AEC. But despite the importance of these votes, the AEC does not keep records on how common donkey votes are. This problematic voting style is typically the result of voter misunderstanding or indifference toward the candidates.
Importance of Accurate Voting
To maximize the chances of having their vote counted, voters should carefully follow the instructions provided on their ballot papers. To make this possible, we have them write “1” next to their top choice. Then they should rank the additional candidates in order of preference. This clear, step-by-step process does more than establish clear guidelines. It helps maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
With election day fast approaching, voters should get to know these processes and rules. The AEC’s commitment to clear and accurate procedures aims to uphold democracy in Australia, allowing citizens to express their preferences confidently.
