Enrol Yourself Right Now Because That Darn Postal Vote For Marriage Equality Is On

It's the thing that no really seemed to want, but the Liberal Party are standing firmly behind their push to run a postal vote on marriage equality.

And now the proposed dates have been set so it's time to get around to enrolling if you haven't already.

What do I need to know?

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Malcolm 'Trumble' Turnbull recommitted to the government's infamous plebiscite policy, stating that if the OG plebiscite was passed in the Senate—which it wasn't—a date would've been set for Saturday, November 25, 2017.

Instead, Australians will have their say on same-sex marriage via non-mandatory postal vote a.k.a plebiscite 2.0. This plan will cost taxpayers $122 million and will be conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It's likely to begin as early as Tuesday, September 12, with votes due back by Tuesday, November 7.

Mathias Cormann says there will be time for people to enrol to vote before postal plebiscite on 12 September. pic.twitter.com/yEHFukQlp3

— Alice Workman (@workmanalice) August 8, 2017

Will it definitely go ahead?

The government believes that this postal vote won't need to go through the Houses for approval, but some have questioned the legality of this move given that the administration has decided to make a "captain's call" on spending the money.

Nonetheless, marriage equality advocates have pledged to challenge the postal vote in courts, with the argument that it's illegitimate and unconstitutional.

What effect will it have on the Marriage Act?

Depending on the outcome of the postal vote, it's expected that a free vote will occur in parliament before the end of the year to determine whether marriage equality should be lawful in Australia.

Perpetual pest and Liberal backbencher, Tony Abbott, is already urging voters to pencil in a "No" vote in order to stop this "political correctness." Sigh.

For you to ensure that you have your say on the matter, you'll need to be enrolled with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). But, how do I do that? I see you thinking. Don't worry, we've got you.

How can I vote in the upcoming postal plebiscite?

To have a vote in this upcoming postal vote, you'll need to be enrolled with the AEC. It's actually pretty simple.

First of all, you need to be 18 years of age. If you're not yet 18 but will be during the voting period, you can still enrol right now, so you're ready to go the day you turn 18. You will also need to be an Australian citizen and have lived at your current address for at least one month. If that's all you, you're ready to enter the privileged lands of democracy. May the force be with you, my padawans.

I'm already enrolled but I recently moved.

If you've recently moved, it's also super breezy. You can change your address online in a few minutes here, to ensure you get your voting papers.

Okay, I'm down. When's the deadline?

As the first voting papers are due to be received on September 12, it's best to ensure you enrol by the end of this month to be safe. 

Remember, democracy is really important and it's already been predicted that many young people may not get involved with the postal vote, as snail-mail out is such an ancient art form. That's why it's super vital that you hassle your friends and family to make sure that as many people get their say.

Photo: iStock