Note that these are not my thoughts...Jamie Chester can't post on here and asked me to put them up...as he thought some people might find it interesting.

"Went and voted today as I won't be here for the election. Voted Shooters and Fishers and other outdoor recreational groups first but made sure that the libs were above labor and the greens (which were last) in the preferences. Personally I always fill out my senate voting slip in the preference section as well (an easy enough task if you can count to 50 or so) because then I can vote for a minor party but still have control over where my eventual vote will go (assuming that the minor party wont get up). I personally think it's important to do this as I can still make a statement by putting a one-policy group first (and allowing that group to receive the electoral funding from that primary vote rather than the over funded majors) and thus help send a message to the major parties as to what I consider to be an important issue while still being able to choose either liberal or labor. So for me it's not even important whether you are a lib or labor supporter - if you are a recreational fisherman or against government control over every little goddam thing we do then vote appropriately and send a message to the major parties. And if you don't understand anything that I'm saying - well that's my argument as to why compulsory voting is ridiculous because it gives ignorant/careless people the same amount of voice as those that are informed and considered."