LETTER TO THE EDITOR - 15 November 2007
Dear Editor
There seems to be some confusion regarding the two different ballot papers we will be given on election day. Ken Kerr asks federal election candidates in Wide Bay and Hinkler to say who will get their preferences (FCC 15/11/07).
Unlike voting above the line for Senate candidates, voters are required to consecutively number every square on their House of Representatives ballot paper, beginning with the candidate of their choice.
As voters in a democratic society, it is our responsibility and privilege to number our ballot papers according to our own judgment and beliefs. The How to Vote fliers distributed on election day, which usually reflect how the candidates think we should vote, ought not to persuade us one way or another. Indeed, they are contrary to the very spirit of democracy.
Firstly, they try to rob us of our democratic right to preference candidates in whatever order suits us. Secondly, they encourage laziness by offering an instant solution to the need to make an intelligent judgement based on knowledge. And thirdly, they are an atrocious waste of paper and resources.
The simple answer is, the candidates do not decide the preferences. We do.
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As published by the Fraser Coast Chronicle on 17 November 2007.
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