This April marks the month of the federal election in Canada and will also mark my first time voting in a new country.
As I prepare to cast my ballot, I had a thought as to whether there are any differences between Canada and Australia when it comes to voting and it didn’t take me long to realize that the answer to this is yes.
First things first—voting in Australia is mandatory.
Yes, everyone in the country must vote, either by advanced voting, postal vote or in person on the day. Regardless of how you vote, the fact is you must.
I have since discovered that this is not the case in Canada and likely explains why the West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country riding with a population of 119,113 people (in 2016) only saw a total of 63,738 people vote.
According to the Australian Electoral Commission, since bringing in compulsory voting in 1924, Australian elections have never fallen below 90% participation.
In the 2021 federal election, only about 62.5% of Canadians cast their vote for which party they wanted as the leader of the country.
Another difference—which I believe is more in favour of Canada’s voting ways—is the famous all-candidate debates.
These events see riding candidates given the chance to debate issues in front of a public audience. It also shows the public how each candidate handles the pressure of a debate scenario, public speaking and addressing issues that are important to the local community.
While first impressions aren’t everything, the all-candidates debate can play a big part in swaying the votes of people who may be undecided on who to vote for.
While debates between the top guns vying for the title of prime minister in Australia exist, all-candidates debates between ridings (or electorates as they call it across the ocean) are not a thing.
A missed opportunity, I say.
Finally, and some may say most importantly, the biggest difference between voting in Canada and Australia is the legendary democracy sausage.
Yes, you did read that correctly, a democracy sausage, which is the icon of voting day in Australia.
Outside of almost every voting place across the country is a sausage sizzle, which acts as a fundraiser for local non-profit groups.
After placing your ballot (or before, there’s no judgment here), voters are able to purchase for around $2 a sausage on a piece of bread with optional onion and a squirt of tomato sauce. Yes, other sauces are optional too.
To be honest, the democracy sausage is likely the biggest reason people go out and vote in Australia.
So Canada, as a way to boost your polling results, may I suggest a maple-inspired treat outside of the polling booths?
Who knows, it might just do the trick!
Election Day is Monday, April 28.
