Anti-democratic changes to electoral law

Issue 

By Zanny Begg

The Senate will debate amendments to federal electoral law on February 15 which, according to the Greens' Senator Bob Brown, would make it harder for "young and black people to enrol to vote".

The Electoral and Referendum Amendment Bill (number 2) 1998 will dramatically shorten the one-week period when people can enrol following the calling of an election. "The provision will mean young people and those who generally move house more often are much more likely to miss out on voting at the next election", Brown said.

Under the new law, the rolls will close at 6pm on the day of the calling of a federal election. It's estimated that 80,000 new enrolments normally take place in the one-week period.

The new amendments will also disenfranchise prisoners. Resistance member Stephanie Roper, also the Democratic Socialists' candidate for Strathfield in the March 27 NSW election, described this as an "attack on democracy".

"As a youth worker, I see a lot of people who are in trouble with the law. These people are made criminals by this society's drug laws, poverty, racism and alienation. What sort of punitive society do we live in which denies people in jail the right to a say in who should form the next government?", she said.

Roper pointed out that it was "particularly hypocritical" of the major political parties to be introducing legislation which sends more people to jail while at the same time introducing legislation which takes away these people's right to vote.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.