A-Z of the federal election

A. Above/Below the Line Voting (for the Senate)

• Above the Line: On the ballot, you select a political party or group by numbering boxes. Preferences are distributed according to the party’s candidate order.
• Below the Line: You vote by numbering individual candidates, prioritising them regardless of party order.
• It’s good for a candidate to be above the line, so they can be found more easily.
  

B. Bellwether Seat:

• A seat that consistently predicts the party forming government based on historical voting patterns. For example, Robertson in NSW has consistently elected a member from the governing party since 1983.
• Now we know this, they will probably break the cycle this time.
  

C. Corflutes:

• Temporary plastic signs promoting candidates or parties during election campaigns, commonly seen on fences and around polling places.
• By and large, it is environmentally unfriendly.
  

D. Donkey Vote:

• Numbering candidates consecutively on the ballot paper, often from top to bottom or vice versa. 
• It’s a valid but sometimes unintentional voting method, especially under mandatory voting practices in Australia.
• I am not sure what it has to do with donkeys.
  

E. Electoral Legislation Amendment:

• Changes to electoral laws, including lowering the political donation disclosure threshold to $1,000 from the current $16,900. But not this time round.
• It’s meant to make things better, but it doesn’t really.
  

F. Federal Election:

• Held at least every three years to elect members to the House of Representatives and half the Senate. 
• Not to be confused with State Elections or phone voting for Australian Idol.
  

G. Government Majority vs Minority:

• Majority government: Formed when a party or coalition secures at least 76 seats in the House of Representatives.
• Minority government: Formed when no party achieves a majority, requiring support from crossbenchers.
• The Senate generally doesn’t have an overall majority and shows how it can be done.
  

H. Hung Parliament:

• When no single party or coalition secures a majority in the House of Representatives, leading to negotiations to form a government.
• The worst outcome is another election.
  

I. Independents:

• MPs and senators not affiliated with the government or opposition, crucial in legislative decisions, particularly in the Senate.
• They can be moderates or they can be extreme. But they are always entertaining.
  

J. Joyce, Barnaby:

• Australian politician known for his role in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard dog smuggling case, highlighting Australia’s strict biosecurity laws and introducing himself to the world’s media.
  

K. Katter, Bob:

• Outspoken independent Australian politician from Far North Queensland, known for advocacy on various issues including crocodiles. Highly entertaining.
  

L. Legislation:

• Laws passed through Parliament.
• What politicians actually are paid to do.
  

M. Manifesto:

• Public statement detailing policies, goals, and intentions a political party or candidate intends to pursue if elected. 
• Often ignored once a candidate is elected.
  

O. Organisations (Unions, Trade Bodies, Movements):

• Unions support Labor, advocating for workers’ rights and social welfare. 
• Trade bodies align with the Coalition on economic policy and business regulation.
• The Greens align with global environmental movements.
• Great way to get funds to political parties without anyone noticing.
  

P. Political Parties:

• Major political forces include the Coalition (Liberal and National parties) and Labor Party.
• The Greens prioritise environmental issues and align with socialist principles.
• Party members don’t get on with members of other parties, and they really don’t get on with members of their own parties.
  

Q. Queensland:

• Considered a swing state with significant electoral significance in federal elections.
• The vast majority of Queensland receives an average of between 8 and 9 hours of sunshine every day, which must have an effect on voting patterns.
  

R. Registering Your Vote:

• Mandatory voting for all citizens over 18 years old. Failure to vote results in a fine.
• These fines can be up to $50 (see Donkey Votes).
  

S. Sausage, Democracy:

• Sausage sizzles at polling booths are a beloved tradition to raise funds and engage the community during elections. 
• The sausage is wrapped in a plain, white slice of bread.
• It’s fun at the time, but your hands do get messy eating one.
  

T. Television Coverage:

• Anthony Green, renowned for election analysis on ABC News, provides expertise on electoral systems, voting patterns, and political trends.
• This is his last election on TV, unless there is another one soon afterwards (see Hung Parliament).

V. Voting Systems:

• House of Representatives: Uses Preferential Voting System.
• The Senate: Uses Proportional Representation System.
• Both are confusing.
  

W. Women in Politics:

• Edith Cowan was the first woman elected to Australian Parliament in 1921.
• Women currently account for 30% of the House of Representatives and 39% of The Senate.
  

Y. Youth, Millennials:

• Largest generational voting bloc, advocating for modernisation of voting methods.
• Can’t see why they can’t use their phones to vote.
  

Z. Zoomers (Gen Z):

• Emerging voters questioning traditional voting methods, advocating for technological advancements in voting systems.
• Can’t see why they can’t just skibidi outsource to AI