If you haven’t seen the headlines lately, there is a national referendum being held this Saturday, October 14.
The vote is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18 years of age.
The question that will be put to voters is whether to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Parliament of Australia has agreed to propose adding a new chapter, Chapter IX-Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to the Constitution. The chapter would include a new section 129, which would be as follows:
129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
“In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia: there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice; the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”
At the referendum, you will receive a ballot paper with the proposed alteration to the Constitution on it, followed by a question asking if you approve the proposed alteration.
On the referendum ballot paper, you need to indicate your vote by clearly writing:
YES in the box if you approve the proposed alteration, OR
NO in the box if you do not approve the proposed alteration.
Where can I vote?
You can vote at any polling place on voting day. Polling places are usually located at local schools, churches and community halls, or public buildings. The locations of these polling places will be available on the AEC website. Postal voting, early voting and mobile polling will also be available for the referendum.
https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/voting.htm#start
Before Saturday 14 October
Armadale Scout Hall: 34 Townley St, Armadale WA 6112
Mon 9 Oct – Thu 12 Oct: 8:30 am–5:30 pm
Fri 13 Oct: 8:30 am–6 pm
Sat 14 Oct: 8 am–6 pm
Shop 2 & 3 2322 Albany Highway: Shop 2 & 3 2322 Albany Hwy, Gosnells WA 6110
Mon 9 Oct – Thu 12 Oct: 8:30 am–5:30 pm
Fri 13 Oct: 8:30 am–6 pm
Shop 1 1 Binley Place: Shop 1 1 Binley Place, Maddington WA 6109
Mon 9 Oct – Thu 12 Oct: 8:30 am–5:30 pm
Fri 13 Oct: 8:30 am–6 pm
Unit 2 38 William Street: Unit 2 38 William Street, Beckenham WA 6107
Mon 9 Oct – Thu 12 Oct: 8:30 am–5:30 pm
Fri 13 Oct: 8:30 am–6 pm
Sat 14 Oct: 8 am–6 pm
On Saturday 14 October
All booths are open 8am – 6pm
In the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, voting booths will be open on Saturday October 14 at Byford Secondary College, Byford Primary, West Byford Primary, and Mundijong, Serpentine and Jarrahdale Primary Schools.
