Vote for Annabel Crabb's New ABC Series on Australian Elections
Australians have developed a distinctive way of choosing their political leaders, a system many people outside the country know little about. The upcoming ABC series by Annabel Crabb explores this unique process, using the 2025 federal election as its backdrop.
How Australia Shaped Modern Voting
Australia pioneered the secret ballot, moving away from the British tradition where voters had to declare their choice aloud. That old system encouraged corruption, with candidates offering drinks to sway votes—often leading to disorderly behavior at the polls.
To strengthen fairness and speed, Australians also created individual voting booths. This ensured efficiency while protecting the privacy of every voter’s choice.
The Power of Preferential Voting
Unlike many countries that use a “first past the post” model, Australia practices preferential voting. This method allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, helping every vote count longer and ensuring a more balanced result.
Making Voting Accessible
Another hallmark of the Australian system is its accessibility. Elections are held on Saturdays, making it easier for working citizens to participate. This contrasts with other nations, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where voting often takes place mid-week.
Independent Electoral Oversight
The integrity of elections is safeguarded by state and federal electoral commissions — publicly funded yet independent organizations that manage and oversee all election processes.
“Annabel Crabb sings the praises of our unique electoral system. A system which truly deserves this sort of attention.”
Her new series is not only for political enthusiasts but for anyone interested in understanding how democracy works at its best.
Author’s Summary
Annabel Crabb’s ABC series showcases the originality of Australia’s voting system—from the secret ballot to preferential voting—making democracy both fair and accessible.