Well—that should really read “Independent’s Day”, or more correctly “Minor Parties’ Day”, but I couldn’t resist a good headline.
On September 6, your vote in the lower house for one of the minor parties will effectively give you two votes rather than one.
If you vote for one of the minor parties as your first preference then you will be making a statement to both of the major parties about what you stand for—for example stronger environmental protection and social justice (The Greens), Christian values (CDP), family values (FFP) etc. This is effectively your first vote (the statement you want to make).
None of the minor parties are likely to win a lower house seat (although we hope that Toni will put up a good showing in Kalamunda), so inevitably your vote will then get distributed to one of the major parties according to your preferences. This is effectively your second vote (who you want to form government).
So, don’t waste your vote by placing Liberal or Labor number 1 on your ticket. Place a minor party number 1.
With your vote in the Upper House, bear in mind that minor parties do stand a good chance of getting elected there, particularly the Green’s. I believe that having an Upper House with a range of representation from different parties is a very good thing for democracy.So, consider giving your first preference to one of the minor parties in the upper house also.
If, like me, you are concerned about inaction on climate change, then you’ll give your first preference to The Greens in both houses.
Click here to check out Toni's election website.