Convenience Voting: the End of Election Day?
(2014) 39 Alternative Law Journal 151
University of Queensland TC Beirne School of Law Research Paper
7 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2015
Date Written: Septermber 12, 2014
Abstract
When and where we vote is a central element of the ritual of electoral democracy. In a trend across western democracies, there has been a significant shift towards ‘convenience’ voting. This article explores the history, rationale and law around postal and pre-poll voting (the dominant forms of convenience voting) and cautions against this trend deconstructing the communal experience of election day.
Note: The article is adapted from a chapter in Graeme Orr, 'Ritual and Rhythm in Electoral Systems' (forthcoming, Ashgate, 2015)
Keywords: Election law, Postal Voting, Pre-poll Voting, Political Ritual
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation