Postal votes are great and all

[alias_sqbr]

But this seems to be an inherent contradiction:

I declare that, before the close of the poll, I showed the unsigned postal vote certificate and unmarked ballot paper(s) to the witness; signed the certificate in the presence of the witness, marked the ballot papers and fastened the ballot papers to the envelope

I checked and this is the only certificate to sign. So I have to sign to declare that I...signed the declaration??

Anyway: the toddler sized paper was easier to fill in thanks to cluey voter.

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

Holy moly. FIrst time I've come face to the face with the complex realities of marking a ballot in the Australian voting system.

I hope they're teaching these strategies to the middle-school kids! Traditionally civics is taught in 7th grade--12 year olds.

[alias_sqbr]

It's been so long since I was in school I don't remember, but a quick google suggest they do. Also it's worth noting that you don't have to fill in all the numbers, you can even just number one box, for your chosen party, and let them decide where your preferences go. But given the long history of parties doing messy backroom deals that send their preferences in unexpected directions, I'm happier having full control of my vote.