Multicultural and CALD Australian citizens are joining the rest of Australia, as they prepare to cast their vote at the federal election on Saturday, 21 May 2022, but are we all election ready?
Let’s take look at the Vote Talk Top 10 Tips on how to get election ready and make sure your vote count
TOP TIP #1
Filling out ballot papers correctly
Make sure you are familiar on how to fill out the ballot papers. Use numbers not ticks….
Green Ballot Paper – Place a number in order of preference in every box
White Ballot Paper –
Complete either the top (above the line) or bottom section (below the line).
Above the line you must number at least 6 boxes
Below the line you must number at least 12 boxes.
Listen to podcasts or watch videos in different languages on how to complete ballot papers
Podcast here>>
Listen Now
TOP TIP #2
If you make a mistake ask for another ballot paper
Mistakes can happen. The Electoral Officials (the staff) are there to assist you to make your vote coun by providing you wth information. If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, ask a staff member on the day for a new copy of the ballot papers.
Remember, makeyour vote count by completing the ballot paper correctly.
TOP TIP #3
Don’t speak English and need help on the day?
Let the staff know you need help, or someone who is with you needs assistance with English.
There may be a polling official who speaks your language or they can organise an interpreter over the phone. Voting is for all Australian cItizens. If you need language assistance to help you understand how to fill out the ballot papers, then dont be afraid t ask.
Link to videos on how to vote in different languages Click here >>
They will show you how to vote, but it is up to you who to vote for
TOP TIP #4
Check voting times and locations and plan ahead
Voting times are 8am til 6pm and are usually located in local schools, church halls or public buildings.
Location of voting places may differ so check the AEC website link below to find a location near you
Find a polling place near me. Click here >>
Plan your day so that you dont miss out
TOP TIP #5
Learn about the candidateand their policies before you vote
If you can’t get to a polling place on election day you can vote at an early voting centre in Australia.
Select the link here for locations near you
Link to the AEC In Person early voting webpage here >>
Make your vote count by planning before hand.
TOP TIP #6
Be prepared on what to expect when you arrive at polling place
When you arrive at a polling place they will ask you a few questions
‘What is your full name?’
This enables the polling official to look up your name on the certified list which is a copy of the electoral roll for that division. If your name is on the certified list, you will be asked the next question.
‘Where do you live?’
If the address given is the same as that shown on the certified list you will be asked the next question.
‘Have you voted before in THIS election?’
If you havent voted before then they will provide you with ballot papers and mark your name off the registry
Listen to podcast on what to expect when you arrive at a polling place on election day. Click here>>
TOP TIP #7
Who are the people outside polling places and what do they hand out?
Volunteers from political parties stand outside polling places distributing how-to-vote cards. These cards show voters how political parties or candidates would like you to vote. They may be taken into the polling place to assist in marking ballot papers.
Although how-to-vote cards may encourage voters to mark their preferences in a particular order, the final choice on how to complete the ballot paper is up to you.
TOP TIP #8
Finding it difficult to vote due to disability or access issues?
The AEC provides assistance for people living with disability to ensure they are not disadvantaged from participating in the electoral system.
They provide Auslan services, easy read guides and locations for polling places which are accessible friendly.
Find a accessible polling place near you by selecting this link. Click here>>
They will show you how to vote, but it is up to you who to vote for
TOP TIP #9
Why do you have to turn up to vote in person?
Currently Australian Citizens must turn up in person and prove ID in order to recieve a ballot paper. There are a number of security requirements to ensure safe, secure voting occurs at these important events.
Alternatives are available such as postal voting , mobile voting teams etc.
Postal vote applications must be submitted to the AEC by no later than 6pm Wednesday 18 May 2022.. Postl vote Ballot papers must be completed and witnessed on or before election day.
If you miss out on a postal vote option then you must consider either attending an early polling place before Saturday or attend in person on Saturday.
Podcast about why we vote in person. Click here>>
TOP TIP #10
Cant attend on Saturday? Organise to attend an early voting centre before election day
It is important to know not only how to vote but who to vote for.
Noone should tell you who to vote for. This is your decision.
Learn more about the candidates and there policies by visting the AEC website links below
Find out more information about you candidates. Click here >>
Make an informed decision by becoming aware of the candidates and their policies.
What is Vote Talk?
There is a no more important example of freedom and democracy than a citizen’s right to vote. This right provides a voice and allows for people to have a say about how their country, state and communities are governed.
But do you ever find yourself talking about elections with a group of friends, neighbours, work colleagues or members in your community and wish
you knew more about how it all works? Have you ever thought.
” How does the government and parliament really work?
“What do I need at election time?
“Will my vote really make a difference in my community?
The Vote Talk Program aims to make elections and voting simple and easy for everyone to understand.
Through podcasts, community conversations and radio interviews in different languages, you will hear members of your community talk about elections, voting and how you can make sure your vote counts.
Who is it for?
Vote Talk is for any person, of any language or culture, of any age who wants to learn more about voting in Australia.
To date we have had a number of cultural groups involved including;
Arabic, Gujarati, Hindi, Chinese, Nepali, Tamil, Urdu, Spanish and Vietnamese
Jump onto the ‘listen now’ page to hear the latest podcasts and conversations.
For more information on Vote Talk visit the website www.votetalk.org.au
For more infomration about voting, elections and working during a federal election contact the Australian Electorial Commission on www.aec.gov.au
This is an Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW announcement
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