I am concerned about the distribution of preference votes should my elected representitives fail to gather enough votes in the upcoming local elections.
Being aware of the fiasco that took place at the last Launceston council elections (re: preference votes), I would like to know how I should vote in the forthcoming West Tamar Council election, to ensure that the anti-pulp mill candidates get elected.
Is there a preferred strategy or numbering system?
I know who to put last :-)
Voting strategy
Opinion polls show a majority of voters are against the pulp mill and approximately half of the candidates in the 3 council elections have a stated position of opposing the pulp mill. It seems unlikely that none of them will be elected as you allude to.
You can control whether your vote lands on a pro mill candidate or not by limiting the number of candidates you vote for on the ballot paper. You must vote for the minimum number for your vote to count, however.
Legally, we cannot say 'don't vote for candidate X'.
A vote for only no-mill candidates eg the 7 in West Tamar will avoid other candidates getting your preference in the cut up.
TAP is asking voters to please vote for all the candidates opposing the mill in order of your choice. This applies to the election of Mayors as well.
We proudly support the following candidates in three council elections for their visionary stance opposing the Tamar valley pulp mill.
We leave the choice to you - the candidates are not listed in any order.
LAUNCESTON
Albert van Zetten, Mayor
Ted Sands, Mayor
Rosemary Armitage, Deputy Mayor
Frank Nott, Deputy mayor (Frank has consistently voted against the mill)
Jeremy Ball
Martin Cole
Ian Norton
Danny Gibson
Ray Shipp (said that he would vote to rescind council support for the mill)
GEORGE TOWN
Heather Barwick, Mayor
Jim Welsh, Mayor
Sven Wiener
Alan Russack
Dr Andreas Ernst
Graeme Neilsen
WEST TAMAR (There is no contest for Mayor)
Karl Stevens
Estelle Ross
Kim Corbett
Viv Tyson
Mark Price
Robin Cochrane
Tim Woinarski
Here is a good explanation of how the Hare-Clark voting system works: www.elections.act.gov.au