Reflections on the 2019 Australian Federal Election: Voting Experience and Insights

During the 2019 Australian Federal Election, I chose not to pre-poll but instead participated in an absentee vote at the Brisbane City Hall, avoiding the electoral process in my region, Capricornia. My vote went to an independent candidate, who despite my best hopes, did not secure victory. This choice was influenced largely by my perception that major parties tend to be politically centric to the big cities at the expense of regional areas, leaving them largely unserved outside of election times and emergencies.

Voting Strategy and Preference

My reasoning for supporting this independent candidate was based on a desire for a different voice in the political arena, one that could better represent the needs and viewpoints of regional voters. In considering the second and subsequent preferences, I cast my vote for the Katter Party. Additionally, this choice was influenced by the involvement of my father in the party's operations, though this does not necessarily reflect the party's policies.

The Senate Vote

For the Senate vote, I ensured that my vote was formal by filling more than the required 12 boxes as instructed. I intentionally voted below the line, as this often signifies a deeper engagement with the candidates and their policies.

I encountered some obstacles during the voting process. Upon arriving at the polling station, I found a TWU (Trade Workers' Union) representative placing ALP (Australian Labor Party) signs directly in front of other political parties' stands. When questioned, I was informed that if anyone interfered with the ALP signs, they would face police action. Undeterred, I shifted the sign to the side. However, this move led to a confrontation with the TWU representative, who accused me of inappropriate behavior and went as far as to criticize the Labor Party for its socialist tendencies. This incident not only highlighted the polarized nature of the political landscape but also illustrated the activism and dedication of political supporters during the election season.

Political Ideology and Its Impact on Voting

The 2019 Federal Election posed complex questions about political ideology and its impact on voting behavior. I was particularly influenced by the factors described by Pauline Khaled and Frazer Anning, who have criticized the Labor Party for its alignment with various socialist and communist countries. This has raised concerns about how political affiliations with certain ideologies can impact national governance and decision-making.

I could not recall supporting a specific candidate in the Senate, but I was determined to vote below the line. This decision was made to ensure that my vote would be as impactful as possible, reflecting my broader political views rather than a knee-jerk reaction to the candidates' names.

While the 2019 Australian Federal Election was a significant moment in the country's political history, the voting experience was marred by debates and discussions surrounding the political landscape and the influence of various ideologies on our national governance. My reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of an informed and engaged electorate.