I just wanted to make a comment on your Voting in Australia post. I’ve lived (and voted) in Australia so I know first hand what it’s like.

I’m not sure that 80% voter turnout can be attributed solely to compulsory voting. I’ve found Aussies to be very politically aware and thus I think that it probably only about 10% would be influenced this way. But your point about which 10% is influenced is a valid one. Is a Big Brother-ish threat (and it is a threat – sometimes hollow as I’m not sure what the statistics are on prosecutions for those that don’t vote without a valid excuse) going to make the change in the US voting system? I would see the people coming out of the woodwork to protest at being able to not vote is as much a right as being able to vote.

Maybe the US needs a couple of elections where their votes don’t count or a portion of them (ie. all women) aren’t allowed to vote. This has certainly made voting in South Africa a life affirming exercise rather than a civic duty that is looked upon as a chore. A couple of months ago I was in South Africa when they were holding the elections and everybody is so proud to be able to have a vote now – that queues start forming days ahead of time. It really is validating to see that enthusiasm. I even toured Robben Island (the prison where Nelson Mandela was held) and went past the election hall on voting day. It was a very surreal moment. I digress.

Back to Australia though. Preferential voting is a great idea – but really makes the voter work for their vote. There can sometimes be as many as 30-40 candidates in one riding.

So you can vote one of two ways:

The easiest is to put a 1 in the box for the candidate that you want and what happens is you get your candidates votes – apportioned as they see fit. Not all states allow this though.

Or you can enter a number for each and every candidate from 1 to 30. If you miss a number then your vote may be considered invalid.

It can be a lot of work for your 1 vote. Helpfully, if you have a candidate/party that you trust (?), each candidate/party hand out “how to vote” cards which lists their preferences and you just have to copy it.

I’ve found that what ends up happening isn’t necessarily that the big parties start to pander to the lesser parties – but the lesser parties just choose the least stinking of the bigger parties.

I think the system has its merits and it would be interesting to see what would happen in the states under this system.

Take care, Geoff