First time voters: Don’t know much? We’re here to explain

By CHRISTIANE BARRO

Elections can be confusing enough for first time voters, without the added talks of a double dissolution, voting reforms, an ABCC Bill and a looming Budget.

While this may sound extremely overwhelming, mojonews.com.au is here to shed some light.

What’s all the fuss about an ABCC Bill?

The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) was an investigation unit that monitored the building and construction industry. It was replaced with Fair Work Building and Construction by the Gillard government in 2012. The Coalition Government wants to bring it back. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull issued an ultimatum to the Senate to either pass the ABCC Bill at its second reading or expect a double dissolution election. The Bill was defeated in the April 18 parliamentary sitting.

Well, why should I care?

A regular election would occur no earlier than August this year. Now it looks like we will head to the polls early, with July 2 the most likely date.

How is this election any different to others?

A double dissolution election means every seat in both the Senate and House of Representatives is up for election. Usually, only half of the Senate seats are up for election, meaning 38 of the 76 places. 

What about the Budget?

The Budget will be delivered next Tuesday, May 3, one week earlier than usual. Mr Turnbull has said he will formally call the election after the Budget is delivered.

How exactly do we vote again?

Voting for the House of Representatives has not changed. You must number each box, with 1 being your top choice.

Rules have changed when voting for the Senate. 

To vote above the line: You must number at least six boxes from 1 to 6, with 1 being your preferred party. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, your preferences will then be distributed below the line to candidates in your first party preference, then to your second party preference and so on until all your preferences have been distributed.

To vote below the line: If you choose this option, you must number a minimum of 12 boxes, with 1 being your preferred candidate. Your votes will be distributed accordingly.

What our first-time voters had to say

Rohan recently registered to vote for the first time. He feels ill-informed about the political situation with the lack of televised debate and coverage. When asked who he’d vote for he said, laughing: “Labor all the way. If I could, I’d throw the Liberals out.”  – Alex Chan

Sandra, 18, says she is "a bit nervous" about voting in her first election.  "I’m not entirely sure who to vote for but I guess it comes with a great responsibility also and it makes you feel like an adult … I haven’t really done a lot of research, just kind of what we’ve been taught in high school. The main ones are Labor and Liberal.” – Merve O'Keefe

Phoebe says she is looking forward to it.  “I’m pretty happy … I think I know about the voting process. I think I’ll vote for the Greens, because I agree with their policies and wish they had more seats.” – Morrigan Alongi

Bryan, 19, says voting made  him feel like he was "doing my duty".  "But I don't know who to vote for at this stage. I think I am well equipped to vote in the upcoming election because I have a basic knowledge of the electoral system and the parties.” – Nadia Dimattina

Demi also said she was "a little bit nervous" about voting.  "I don't know much about it so I'm not entirely sure who I'll vote for. I need to read up on it to be honest." – Cartier Finniss