BigOl64 wrote on Jan 21
st, 2017 at 6:15pm:
Brian Ross wrote on Jan 21
st, 2017 at 5:04pm:
Tell me, Bigol64, does anybody actually make sure that you cast a vote, when you vote?
Since I don't vote Id say no.
But you do know that this was the Australian Electoral Commission stating this, not me, don't you?
Oh, yes. I recognise it from their paraphenalia.
So, you don't vote. You are quoting from the AEC how it likes the voting to occur, not how it actually happens, nor the instructions which are usually given before the opening of the Polling Booth to the various functionaries by the Polling Booth supervisor.
You are aware what those instructions are, aren't you, Bigol64?
IIRC they are: "The voters will be made to form a queue. They will be directed to the first member of staff that is free and they will have their name marked off the roll. They will be handed their ballot paper and directed to the voting booth. If they refuse the ballot paper you are to ask them again and if they again refuse it, you are to hand it to the supervisor who will fold and place it in the ballot box. Once they have marked the paper (assuming of course they have taken it), they are to then fold and place it in the ballot box. On no account are they allowed to leave the Ballot Station with a ballot paper in their possession.
You will note, no voter is forced to take a ballot paper. No one is standing over them when they mark the ballot paper (or not). They are prevented from leaving the Ballot Station with any ballot papers.
The only way they can be fined is if they refuse to have their name marked off the roll. They are not made to vote.
I have worked on elections, at the Ballot Booth as an AEC official now for the last 20 years, both at State and Federal elections.
I think it's time you voted, Bigol64, to acquaint yourself with the procedures from a voter's viewpoint.
I thrive on the fact that the AEC is populated with lazy and stupid people who couldn't find their arse with both hands behind their back.
I don't vote, I am not on the electoral roll and at this stage I have not intention of changing that.
Im pretty sure it is still illegal for anyone to deliberately encourage another to not cast a valid vote. As in what waleed mentioned and currently being supported by others.