We've just voted online for the NSW state elections. We went into the consulate in San Francisco on Monday, but the ballot papers hadn't turned up, and they told us we could vote online (iVote), rather than come all the way back into the city.
Americans are a bit bemused by the fact that we HAVE to vote; that it's compulsory, and we may get a fine if we don't. Either way, that we may have to write and give a good reason for not voting if we didn't.
But is it an inconvenience? I'm quite glad we have to do it.
The other night on telly General Powell was being interviewed on Washington Watch by an African-American presenter, Roland Martin. He said, and Martin agreed, that the reason why he and the presenter have succeeded is because their immediate families and 'the village', ie. all the extended family, the aunts and cousins "did not give us the opportunity to fail". I reckon Australians are not given the opportunity to opt out. We are in the position of being compelled to be involved. And the upshot is we tend to feel that "if you asked us our opinion, you'd better darn well heed it".
We are bound to our governance. How can that be undesired? Isn't representation what so many have fought for?
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