If you’ve got questions, we might just have the answers. Have a look below at our answers to some of these frequently asked questions.
Q. How will non-Indigenous people be affected if the Voice is Successful?
A: Non-Indigenous people will not be affected by the Voice. This is because the Voice will only be able to give advice to the government on matters that relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.
Q. How will the Voice impact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people/communities?
A: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will be the only ones that can select members of the Voice to Parliament. This can help them choose matters to address. Linda Burney, for example, will ask the Voice to help address issues with housing, education, jobs, and health.
Q. Will the Voice actually make a difference?
A: If the Voice is passed it will give the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia a chance to advise on issues that their communities want to address. This can include matters that have an impact on them and their communities. These can include education, housing, healthcare, the justice system, and government policies. This advice is followed at the discretion of the Australian Government.
Q. How many votes does the Voice need to be successful?
A: For a referendum to be passed, it needs a double majority to pass.
Q. What is a double majority?
A: A double majority is more than half of the total voting pool. Each state needs a majority of voters, and 4 out of 6 states need to have a majority of voters for the referendum to pass.
https://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/files/double-majority-fact-sheet.pdf
Q. Will the Voice affect the government if successful?
A: The Voice will only be able to give advice regarding matters that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. If the government does not agree with a suggestion, they do not have the power to veto the government.
Q. Why does this need to be a referendum?
A: The Voice to Parliament will, if successful, be written into the Australian Constitution. The Constitution can only be changed via a vote of the people.
Q. When is the referendum?
A: Voting will take place on Saturday the 14th of October.
Q. Can anyone vote in this referendum?
A: No. Only Australian citizens and certain eligible British subjects aged 18 and above can vote.
https://www.aec.gov.au/Enrolling_to_vote/British_subjects.htm
Q. Where do I vote?
A: You can vote at any nearby school, church hall, or public centre.
Q. How do I enrol to vote?
A: To enrol to vote, visit the AEC website. If you are already enrolled to vote in the Federal election, visit the same website and make sure your details are up to date.
Q. How do I make this vote count?
A: If you want to make your vote count, write in the box YES/Y or No/N.
https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/vote/completing-the-ballot-paper.html
The AEC recommends that voters don’t tick or cross the box.
If the handwriting of the voter is unclear, they may not count that vote.
Q. How do I vote early?
A: You can only vote early if you meet certain requirements, like if you are working or travelling.
Early voting centres open two weeks before the referendum date.
https://elections.nsw.gov.au/voters/voting-options/early-voting-and-pre-polling-in-person
Q. Where can I vote if I’m not in my hometown?
A: You can still vote if you are away from your hometown. But if you are travelling interstate, you’ll need to visit an interstate polling centre. If you cannot attend these polling centres, contact the AEC.