Casting your vote for the first time can seem a daunting task. Here’s 5 things you should consider before casting your vote this May.
1.Vote for policies, not the personalities
Like any party worth attending, you need more than one person to get the party started. So don’t be fooled by the antics and appearances of the party leaders. Do your research, compare the policies of each party and how they will affect you. Democracy is about having your say. Despite your opinion and media framing, you are voting for the policies, not the personality.
2. Explore your options
A federal election is not a two-horse race. It’s easy to forget this as the two-party preference seems to get the majority of media attention. It’s imperative to look at the minor parties because this election is a tight race and how minor parties preference their votes will determine who gains power and which policies will get passed. Remember, it is all about the policies – so try not to get too caught up with the names of some of the minor parties.
3. Weighing up priorities
As demonstrated by the number of protests we’ve seen by Australia over the past year, social issues are of great importance to first-time voters. But, same-sex marriage and climate change aren’t everything. It seems intimidating but economic opportunity, employment, housing affordability, health system and taxes are important issues. So think big picture and what you want to see accomplished over the next three years.
4. Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric
It’s easy to be sucked in by the theatre of politics, the three-word slogans, banners, tour buses, public appearances and kissing babies, but remember they’re just tropes to grab your attention and distract from the reality of policy. The bigger the show simply means the bigger the party funding. Research widely and from a vast range of sources to make sure you’re seeing the whole picture. Journalists are not policy experts and policy experts are not always independent. Anyone can smile for photos and shake hands with local business owners but it doesn’t mean they’re the top person to run the country, it’s all about the policies.
5. It’s about YOUR choice
It seems everyone is an expert when it comes to politics. There always seems to be a friend or family member who is only too eager to tell you which party you should or shouldn’t vote for. But at the end of the day, it’s important to remember it is your democratic right to vote for the party which best represents your values, lifestyle and priorities. By all means, don’t ignore the advice from overzealous friends and well-meaning Aunties, but bear in mind the policies that suit them won’t necessarily be the same ones that suit you.
bu Rachael Merritt & Joanne Monisse
