Whether or not you’re desirous to push for the causes you imagine 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.
Each 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 irrespective of who you select, ensure your voice is heard.
Learn extra: 2024 is the Greatest 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 might 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 teach your self. It’s very simple to waft and vote for the social gathering or impartial that your loved ones and pals vote for. However on the finish of the day, try to be asking your self; what do I care about? What points are essential to me? And which politicians are addressing these issues?
In the event you’re undecided who is perhaps the best match for you, exit and perform a little research. Simply be careful – there’s a whole lot of bias in as we speak’s media, so use your judgement, learn extensively, and intention for direct sources. Studying instantly from the social gathering or impartial’s web site is a good way to go!
ABC Vote Compass
Political scientists have developed this device (learn: quiz) that will help you work out the place you sit on the political spectrum and which events’ insurance policies align along with your values.
They Vote For You
They Vote For You is a useful 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 simple to see whether or not your present consultant shares your similar pursuits and whether or not they stick with their guarantees.
You may search by your postcode or MP’s title and test in the event that they’re actually voting for the issues you care about. It’s solely helpful for elected politicians however it’s a superb method to reduce via 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 at no cost, 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 a good way to search out solidarity with others who share your beliefs, and be certain that the problems you care about stay related.
Some individuals argue that protests don’t work, and whereas at occasions it could appear true, protests are sometimes very profitable in the long term. Political protests put steady strain on politicians to really ship guarantees, somewhat than permitting these points to vanish in bureaucratic processes. They’re additionally nice alternatives to search 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 Get together or Marketing campaign for an Impartial
When you have a political social gathering or an impartial that basically resonates along with your values, why not volunteer for them this election?
Now, I do know loads of individuals would somewhat drop their democracy sausage on the bottom than take a flyer from the campaigners outdoors voting halls, however they do serve a goal. In keeping with analysis carried out after the 2019 election, 11% of voters determined who they’d vote for on election day. Meaning volunteers at polling cubicles have the potential to swing somebody’s vote as they stand in line.
Volunteering as a grassroots campaigner is a good alternative to be taught 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 make it easier 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 try additional onerous to win your vote – so it’s a good time to take part in democracy and make it possible for they’re listening to the problems that concern you. Ship them an e-mail, go to their workplace, and even see if you happen to 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 positioned within the US? Try the GovTrack web site to search out your native consultant and senators.
5. Counter Misinformation
These days, misinformation is rife, significantly 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 imagine it or not, they’re completely authorized.
So when Aunty Sandy on Fb shares a submit on how Labor is owned by the Chinese language Communist Get together, 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 happy to report any misinformation that you just see both on-line or in particular person – social media could 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 combat for local weather motion isn’t about to be received in a single day, maintain making your voice heard and preventing for a safer local weather future.
Function photograph because of Element5 Digital
