Elections and Voting


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Hi! Could you please explain what a half-Senate election is and why this happens. Thanks for your time.

Luke - Toowoomba, QLD

In a federal election and state or territorial election does the governor-general have to vote?

John - Howlong, NSW

Is a member of parliament's vote worth more than a normal citizen's

Nicko - Melbourne, VIC

What is the role of parties at elections?

Ryland - Maryborough, QLD

Why can't people vote under the age of 18?

William - Loxton, SA

Who controls the federal elections, is there an organisation?

Dustin - Narangba, QLD

Why is proportional representation considered to more closely reflect the voting pattern of the electors?

Justin - Newcastle, NSW

How many people voted in the last election?

Natalia - VIC

How do we choose who we want elected into the House of Representatives in comparison to those that we want in the Senate?

Kaihla - Varsity Lakes, Qld

Are the politicians that run for the House of Representatives the same as those that run for the Senate?

Kaihla - Varisty Lakes, QLD

What is the difference between an electorate and a division?

Lisa - Ipswich, QLD

Is there any legal reason why we could not hold the plebiscite on gay marriage at the same time as the election?

Elise - Coffs Harbour, NSW

Is it compulsory to vote in a plebiscite?

Carroll - Newcastle, NSW

Where are Australian elections held?

Alana - Melbourne, VIC

If the House of Reps ballot papers are green, why are the Senate ones white and not red?

Sarah - Townsville, Qld

Why do people over 18 have to vote?

Michelle - Adelaide, SA

Why do you need to vote? Is it important?

Lessio - SA

Can you vote for any Senate candidate even though they are not in your State?

Peta - Belmont, WA

How do I choose a party to vote for? Is there a summary of facts and information about each party and what they are offering?

Sharon - the universe

How is the number of members in the House of Representatives determined?

Donn - Toongabbie, NSW

Has Australia ever had a referendum at the same time as a federal election?

Carroll - Osterley, NSW

What is a plebiscite?

Beth - Perth, WA

How much does a candidate's election speech affect the way people vote?

Erin - Caroline Springs, VIC

What are 'safe seats'?

TurtlesRule - Endeavour Hills,VIC

Why can't public servants run in elections?

David - Adelaide, SA

Why is the voting system different between House of Representatives and the Senate?

Susan - VIC

Why do we have federal elections every three years?

Liala-Rose - SA

What are the laws about political advertising? Are ads at election time true, and what can we do if they're not?

Elisa - Elizabeth, SA

How can our system of preferential voting be changed?

Barry - Emu Plains, NSW

Why is the preferential and proportional voting system used at Australian Elections?

Alex - Sydney, NSW

How are Senate below the line votes directed? What if none of a voter's 12 preferences gets a quota?

Geoff - Kew East, VIC

Can a Member of the house of representatives get elected again after their 3 year term?

Diya - Junee, NSW

Why can't we vote on policies instead of parties during an election?

Ashlin - Geelong, VIC

What do you have to do to become a member of parliament?

Marty - Altona, VIC

Can an independent become Prime Minister?

Sam - Adelaide, SA

In my research it is suggested that there have been only 2 plebiscites in 1916 and 1917. Where does the national anthem question and same-sex marriage question fit?

Anthony - Mornington, VIC

How can you run for election to be a member of parliament?

Ashtyn - Cranebrook, NSW

What happens if minor parties get more votes than the major parties? Will the minor parties have to join either labor or liberal?

Christine - Greenbank QLD

Do the Prime Minister and ministers keep their positions during an election period?

Cecilia - Australia

How were electoral divisions created at the first election in 1901? What were they named after?

John - Frankston

If the government replaces the prime minister in a leadership spill, are they required to call an election?

Elodie - Australia

Who decides the question for a referendum?

Jeff - Barnawartha, Vic

If you are the Prime Minister, do you still get to vote and if so, can you vote for yourself?

Year 5 - Applecross Primary School, WA