I’ve worked at quite a few elections – crossing names off rolls, counting votes and so on.
As an autistic person, I naturally hate being ambushed by people trying to get me to donate or buy raffle tickets and so on. On election day it is horrible. I always try to find a back way. Numerous types of people do not want the harassment.
A report says “It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured at a polling place if we do not act.”
Almost zero people will change their mind on who to vote for, on the day, by placards and pamphlets. At best you can trick someone with similar names and colours. The only “good” achieved outside the voting station is handing out how to vote cards.
Here’s my remedy:
- AEC controls the how to vote cards. They are all on a table, with equal space and signage, for people to pick up. Used ones in good condition are returned to the piles.
- No campaigning in public at all on election day, just like there are no ads on tv. Limited to signage on private property.
That’s it. No exclusion zones, no harassment. 100% fair and equitable. Simple, easy rules.
Democracy sausages remain!