In the United States people can and do swap parties.
But, in Australia many of us seem attached like glue
either with one or the other major party.
Although we do have a small percentage
of swinging votes (these folk win or lose elections).

Our allegiances vary. There are those of us whose
allegiances are so ideologically attached that we
can't imagine voting for any one else. It's why we see
both the Conservatives and Labor supporters ready to
support their sides - regardless.

Family influence has its place.

Then there are people
with a deeply ingrained sense of social justice and
a fierce desire for equality. The belief in government
helping those who can't help themselves. They believe
that the government is there to guide society and see
that there is an equitable distribution of the country's
wealth. There are also those who are very concerned
about our environment and the planet's future.

Also those who are dissatisfied with what they see
as the incompetence and lack of leadership of the
current government. Therefore as a result -
we see more and more people turning away from the
major parties.

It would be interesting to explore what influences the
votes of posters on this forum.

I read a comment from a journalist who stated -

"In my opinion we would be a much better society if we
took the risk of thinking for ourselves - unhindered by
the unadulterated crap served up by the media and
self-interest groups."

Your thoughts please.

Foxy, I look at who is my best local member, regardless of their party, because if you vote for them, and the win, happy days, well supposed to be lol, but if they win their seat but not the election as such, then they should be good opposition.

Too many people allow personal issues to get in the way of their voting. But that's also partly due to compulsory voting, which in my view should be dropped.

"Too many people allow personal issues to get in the way of their voting. But that's also partly due to compulsory voting, which in my view should be dropped."

One is not forced to cast a valid vote, what compulsion there is is to make sure that one gets one's name crossed off so that no one else can vote in one's place.

Surely this is not too onerous for the citizens?

I vote thinking only about my grand kids future.

Thus I will vote for any party which will promise to keep the boats stopped, & cut migration by 70% immediately, & by 90& in the near future.

If they will stop this stupid wind power garbage that would be a plus, but migration is the critical one for me.

I have voted against the ALP, the year we lost power in NSW that was a year of dreadful scandals and pure filth including Ministers,known forever as rats in the ranks,it took a few years to bring some back, I am proud of those who like me, refused to man booths and stayed away from the party for some time after that in the end honesty mattered more than blind support that year

The health of the nation is #1 for me but I'm not holding my breath.