The 2010 Australian Election has me thinking that there’s no way I’m simply voting above the line this time around. Leaving it up to the major parties is not what I consider a democratic, or responsible option. The problem though is how to determine who to vote for, below the line, before you’re confronted by the ballot slip in the cardboard booth on voting day. Until now that is.
Did you know that ALP and Democrat voters helped elect Steven Fielding of the Family First Party to the Senate in 2004?
This is one of the more interesting sites I’ve discovered in the course of the Australian 2010 election, and perhaps a shining example of how the internet is changing democracy.
Have a look at the Sydney Morning Herald article here then visit www.belowtheline.org.au
What I found very interesting was where the major parties have set ‘your’ preferences should you take the easy option and vote above the line. There’s no way that aligns with my preference at all.
Just imagine the impact we could have in the Australian 2010 election if we all voted below the line using this system? I bet the outcome would be a significantly better parliament, more robust and purposeful debate, and I’d be surprised if we didn’t rid ourselves of some of the factions that have developed over time as a result of party defined preferences.
If there ever was a time in Australian politics where we need a shake up of all the seats in the house of representatives it would have to be now. While it’s obvious that one of the two major parties will prevail I think that a new mix in the house will ensure that Government is about the Parliament as a whole, rather than the partisan stalemates we typically deal with.
I’m voting below the line, www.belowtheline.org.au makes it crazy not to.
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