Whether or not you’re wanting to push for the causes you consider on this election otherwise you’re not fairly sufficiently old to vote, there are nonetheless loads of methods to interact within the democratic course of. Listed below are 5 impactful methods to take part in democracy past casting a poll.
Every time there’s an essential election on the horizon – federal or in any other case – it’s extremely essential to think about who to vote for and be politically engaged and take part in democracy. Election outcomes have lasting impacts on the way forward for our nation and our planet, so regardless of who you select, be sure that your voice is heard.
Learn extra: 2024 is the Largest Election 12 months in World Historical past – Right here’s The way it Impacts Australia
However participation in democracy doesn’t have to finish the second you permit the polling sales space. Listed below are 5 methods you will be extra concerned within the democratic course of and have your voice heard, throughout, earlier than and after the election!
1. Educate Your self
Step one in political participation is at all times to coach your self. It’s very straightforward to float and vote for the social gathering or impartial that your loved ones and associates vote for. However on the finish of the day, you ought to be asking your self; what do I care about? What points are essential to me? And which politicians are addressing these issues?
When you’re unsure who may be the correct match for you, exit and do a little analysis. Simply be careful – there’s quite a lot of bias in at the moment’s media, so use your judgement, learn broadly, and intention for direct sources. Studying instantly from the social gathering or impartial’s web site is an effective way to go!
ABC Vote Compass
Political scientists have developed this device (learn: quiz) that will help you determine the place you sit on the political spectrum and which events’ insurance policies align together with your values.
They Vote For You
They Vote For You is a helpful device that permits you to see how your present Member of the Australian Parliament votes on completely different points and insurance policies which are introduced up within the Home of Representatives. It’s straightforward to see whether or not your present consultant shares your similar pursuits and whether or not they persist with their guarantees.
You may search by your postcode or MP’s identify and test in the event that they’re actually voting for the issues you care about. It’s solely helpful for elected politicians nevertheless it’s a superb method to lower by the marketing campaign speeches and see who’s placing cash the place their mouth is.
Visiting us from the USA? Try the web site Vote Sensible totally free, factual, unbiased data on candidates and elected officers extra related to you.
2. Protest for Causes You Care About
One other method to have your voice heard is by protesting for causes you care about. Attending protests is an effective way to seek out solidarity with others who share your beliefs, and be sure that the problems you care about stay related.
Some individuals argue that protests don’t work, and whereas at instances it could appear true, protests are sometimes very profitable in the long run. Political protests put steady strain on politicians to truly ship guarantees, slightly than permitting these points to vanish in bureaucratic processes. They’re additionally nice alternatives to seek out solidarity with others who share your beliefs and to really feel such as you’re part of one thing greater!
Picture courtesy of College Strike For Local weather
3. Volunteer for a Political Social gathering or Marketing campaign for an Impartial
When you have a political social gathering or an impartial that basically resonates together with your values, why not volunteer for them this election?
Now, I do know loads of individuals would slightly drop their democracy sausage on the bottom than take a flyer from the campaigners exterior voting halls, however they do serve a objective. In accordance with analysis performed after the 2019 election, 11% of voters determined who they’d vote for on election day. Which means volunteers at polling cubicles have the potential to swing somebody’s vote as they stand in line.
Volunteering as a grassroots campaigner is a superb alternative to study extra about Australian politics, take part in democracy, and higher perceive how elections are run. It’ll additionally get you concerned in your area people and allow you to begin conversations with others in your neighbourhood about points that matter.
Learn extra: How To Have Impactful Conversations About Voting for The Planet
4. Contact Your Native Consultant
Within the lead as much as elections, politicians are attempting additional arduous to win your vote – so it’s a good time to take part in democracy and be sure that they’re listening to the problems that concern you. Ship them an e mail, go to their workplace, and even see for those who can spot them campaigning and have a chat. Don’t be afraid to speak to your native consultant about your political opinions, they’re elected to symbolize YOU.
By no means contacted your native consultant earlier than? To not fear! Oxfam has written a superb information on tips on how to write to your native MP. Now simply search your postcode to discover out their contact particulars and get in contact!
Psst! Are you situated within the US? Try the GovTrack web site to seek out your native consultant and senators.
5. Counter Misinformation
These days, misinformation is rife, notably on the web but additionally within the media. And it doesn’t assist that political campaigns are stuffed with soiled tips designed to mislead you. From imitating the AEC, to mendacity in political promoting, politicians have made some dodgy performs this election marketing campaign, and consider it or not, they’re completely authorized.
So when Aunty Sandy on Fb shares a publish on how Labor is owned by the Chinese language Communist Social gathering, take it with a grain of salt. Chat to your family and friends about what are statistics and what’s simply plain conspiracy. Additionally, be at liberty to report any misinformation that you just see both on-line or in individual – social media might have its many flaws however they’ve stepped up this election to make it simpler to flag deceptive data.
Voting is only one method to take part in democracy, however there’s a lot extra you are able to do to rally for the problems you care about earlier than, throughout, and after election campaigns. The struggle for local weather motion isn’t about to be received in a single day, hold making your voice heard and combating for a safer local weather future.
Function photograph because of Element5 Digital
