[OT] How to vote (was Re: [oclug] Politics and Linux / Open Source)

[Robert Brockway]

On Thu, 3 Jun 2004, Charlie Brady wrote:

> [I am an Australian. I'm proud of the fact that we have compulsory voting,

I am also an Australian (yes we are invading :)  I want to second
Charlie's endorsement of compulsory voting in Australia.  Most of the
assumed problems with compulsory voting that are often raised just don't
appear to occur in practice.  Voting in Australia has been compulsory
since (iirc) 1911.  It works really well for us.  No political parties
have any plans to remove compulsory voting that I am aware of.

> with preferential voting in the lower house, and proportional
> representation in the upper house (yes, an elected Senate!). It's not
> perfect, but IMO way better than the system here. I'm not proud of the

Here here.  With respect to Canadians one of the best things about the
Australian system is the way the Senate is structured.  It is the great
equaliser.  My advice - get those reforms to the upper house moving.

> nasty little man and his gang who are Australia's present Government.]

Charlie, we hit a hatrick ;)  I do not endorse the present Australian
government or their policies on just about anything.

IMHO the biggest problem with the Australian electoral system is how it
relates to Australians living off shore.  I am on the electoral role but
if I fail to vote in a federal election I can be removed.  Grrr.  Voting
while out of the country is optional :)

Well this has wondered well off topic.  Sorry but I had to followup to
Charlie :)

Rob