h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Not being one to ask of matter of political vote saying, what are other researches views of the election this year, when it will be held, what is being said and why?

I have a gut feeling that the election will be in October. There is no reasoning behind this at all.

As for the issues - well, I haven't paid much attention lately as I decided a long time ago who I'd be voting for, but I guess Iraq, education, health and the environment will be the big ones. Sadly, social justice probably won't be an issue...

Ivan

I think if its going to be early it will be august 21st. As for the result its still way to close to call. I also decided who I was going to vote for, and none of the "current" issues have changed that one iota.

Funny, I'm doing a short course in politics at the moment, and we were asked to write down the major issues that would affect the way we vote (not that any of us vote, but still...) and what I wrote was exactly the same as my friend and also the same as Ivan and most people in the class: education, health, environment and defence/Iraq.

Well I personally don't give a rats about Iraq, unless the opinion of not ever having sent the troops is still valid I don't have one. I of course voted in the last election (yay!) but how does one not vote in a compulsory voting system? do you just go get the ballot and then walk out? or can you get off with some kind of note?

You go there, get your ballot, scribble "fish" or something similar on it without giving it numbers, then put it in the box and walk out. So you still have to vote, but it won't be counted.

The formal requirement for citizens in Australia is not that they cast a valid vote but, instead, that they turn up at a polling booth, have their name crossed off the register of voters and receive a ballot paper. What a person then does with this ballot paper is a matter for the individual.

I of course already knew that, but I suppose you could do anything with that piece of paper perhaps someone should write a book called "1001 things to do with a ballot paper other than vote"

Good idea!

I'm all for voting...but why don't we start a list? Then we could put up an entry..

Here's my ideas:

- Write an impassioned plea about using recycled paper and post it to the electoral commission

- Get the phone number of that cute girl/guy in the polling booth next to you

- Vote for Zaphod!

- Scrunch it up and throw it at the cute girl/guy in the polling booth next to you to get their attention

- Make a paper plane and run around the voting room with it making airplane noises

- Try to fool everyone into thinking that you're one of the candidates by pointing to an obscure name and proclaiming loudly that you feel strange voting for yourself...add that you will feel great being able to get an erotic massage in your electoral limousine...

Hey Bad, How's you?

Very good - and you? Still got the scooter?

oh yes, an still love it
but hate the really cold weather we have been having lately (especially going to work at midnight), but picked up a really good big jacket, however cos it is dark blue, I have wear a safety vest, bright orange with silver reflective strips, I look sooooooo dorky

So what started as a list has ended up as a "hey you how are you thread?" wow thats class.

oh don't be so serious Dara,

I was just saying hello to BZ

And no-one has ever accused me of being classy...

come to think of it me neither........

thanks for the compliment Darakat

Since this has evolved into something other than talking about the upcoming election, can I take this chance to ask to be included on the list of researchers? I'm a New South Welshwoman currently studying in Victoria, so I guess I'd be classified as Victorian, although really I'm not...

Hi MI

Boy is Dara going to be really peeved now

It might be better to start a new convo for joining, so the page editors can see your request, as this request is now buried in a thread

but it will probably be seen anyway

while the topic is drifting........

how are you finding H2G2, or hootoo as it is otherwise known

an back to the topic.....

does labour really have a hope of winning?

OK, for the sake of Dara's sanity, I am officially bowing out of this thread to create the joining one, as you suggested.
(Before I go, in response to your question, I'm loving H2G2, thanks. It's been great so far.)