Tim RichardsSeeing we've just had a federal election, let me recommend this book I've been reading which explains how Australia over time developed the distinctive features of its voting system: including compulsory voting, preferential voting, widespread absent voting, independent electoral authorities, etc. Also how Australia very early on gave women the vote and invented the secret ballot. And of course how Saturday voting and the mighty democracy sausage came about!
Sounds like a dry topic but I found it fascinating; Judith Brett does a good job of showing us the personalities behind the various reforms each step of the way. Worth a read, especially if you've ever wondered why Australia's voting system is so unusual in many ways.
More details here: https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/from-secret-ballot-to-democracy-sausage-how-australia-got-compulsory-voting
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