Hi Twitter, do I know any Australians who can explain some finer points of federal election law to me? (specifically, voter enrollment)
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I'm Australian by naturalisation, and my wife is Australian by birth. Between the both of us we've got you covered.
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Heh thanks. I said this in another reply, but: I guess I don't totally understand how that squares with voting being "compulsory", i.e. what happens if you don't enroll and why isn't registration automatic?
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I think it can't be automatic because your (local, federal, state) electorates belong depend on your address, and this has to be given, can't be collected.
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Think of students, expats and others who don't vote where they live, etc.
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Do students vote where they study + live in a share house, or where they grew up? Is it like the USA where you can kiiinddaaa decide which you choose?
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You vote based on your current address. So the share house you are staying in.
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Even though AEC FAQ says:
"If you are absent from the address that appears on the electoral roll for a period of time but have an intention to return to that address, you do not need to update your enrolment. "
?
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Ahh. YeahI guess it could be up to if you were intending to stay there. I intended for my move to be permanent.