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Donkey Voters Can't Have An Opinion For The Next Three Years

Given the gravity of the situation, was it really that wise to do a donkey vote? Or draw a dick on your ballot paper before handing it in?
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It's hard to believe that democracy is on the nose for some.
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It's hard to believe that democracy is on the nose for some.

It will take days to determine whether Australia has returned the Coalition government, has voted in a Labor government, or has cast its vote so widely as to prompt a hotchpotch of characters vying to form a majority.

It'll come down to the postal votes. And preferences. And then they'll be counted again to make sure. We might even, if we're 'lucky', get a legal challenge over the results of a tally.

Yes, it appears in this election at least, your vote actually counted.

Given the gravity of the situation, then, was it really that wise to do a donkey vote? Or draw a dick on your ballot paper before handing it in?

Let's put aside the debate on compulsory voting for one minute. We have to vote, and it's here to stay.

This is also not an argument for the "good ol' days". The turnout range of 93-96 percent of enrolled voters has been fairly stable since the 1920s. And the percentage of eligible Australians on the electoral roll is actually increasing.

My suggestion is, if you're not going to register to vote, or if you vote informal, that's a shame. It's a shame you're not exercising your democratic right to have a say in the direction of our nation.

What you also don't get is the right to have an opinion on any issue for the next three years.

THAT was the most powerful opportunity for most of us to have a say, that ballot paper on election day. We were asked for our opinion and some chose to squander it.

So when the big issues of the next electoral cycle present themselves, (think: same sex marriage, the future of Medicare, saving the reef and housing affordability), zip your lip -- and think back to the Democracy Kebab you ordered.

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