A same-sex marriage advocate has warned people not to assume they’re enrolled to vote in the upcoming postal plebiscite.
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Rick Marton of Launceston said there’s a range of circumstances including a change of address or recent marriage that might mean voters miss out on having their say in the plebiscite.
“Don’t assume. If you want to vote, get in there, do the check and make sure you get your ballot,” he said.
Votes have until midnight, Thursday, August 24 to ensure they’re eligible to participate in the plebiscite.
You can enroll to vote, or change your personal details, by visiting www.aec.gov.au/enrol.
CALL FOR RESPECT
Mr Marton called for respect from both sides of the same-sex marriage debate.
"There's already been some mail and poster going out that are quite insulting and they do have an effect on people,” he said.
“We want to do our very best to try and keep the debate on topic and as factual as possible.”
Mr Marton said people voting “yes” shouldn’t write off “no” voters or call them names like “bigot”.
“The negativity that’s out there and the most gruesome version of that negatively, we have to remember it's coming from only a really small portion of the population,” he said.
“Most people are in the middle and are very reasonable people that are just trying to work out which way they should be participating.”
The federal government postal plebiscite on same-sex marriage is non-compulsory and non-binding.
You need to make sure you’re registered to vote so you can make their voice heard in November.
The push to make your voice heard on this issue has resonated across the nation. But now push has come to shove as the deadline approaches.
For all the details, and links tio the Australian Electoral Commission website, hit this link.