Federal Election Fever and Flying Disc Sports - 21 August

So a few folks have noticed that our Prime Minister has called for an election to be held on the same day as Thrustfest - the new one day hat being hosted by the new Griffith Nathan Ultimate Frisbee Club (oh, and the Disc Golf Championships too, but lets talk Thrustfest!)

But fear not voters and thrusters - you can vote AND thrust, but you need to plan a little bit. Check out the info at: http://aec.gov.au/Voting/ways_to_vote/

If You Live Not Far From the Fields - Moreton Electorate

If you are enrolled in the same electorate as the Griffith Nathan AFL field where Thrustfest will be held, then you can vote via Ordinary Vote between 8am and 6pm (ie before or after the tournament). There is traditionally a polling booth on the Griffith Campus, as building N35, about 15 minutes walk from the fields.

Hence:
Option 1 - if you live near the fields, you can vote near the fields.

If You Live Elsewhere in Queensland

Or of course you can cast an Ordinary Vote in your local electorate between leaving home and getting to the tournament, or on your way home if you're really slack (booths are open 8am to 6pm). If you're a Queenslander, you can also vote in any polling booth in Queensland (like the one near the fields) via an Absentee Vote.

Hence:
Option 2 - vote near home before or after the tournament.
Option 3 - Queenslanders can absentee vote near the fields.

If You Are Seriously Disorganised Or Coming From Interstate

Check the rules, but consider an Early Vote at an Electoral Commission Office (there are a lot of these around). A Postal Vote is possible but you may be a bit late if you're reading this today.

If you're coming from interstate, you can't just rock up to any polling booth.

Option 4 - Early vote at an AEC office.
Option 5 - Organise a postal vote if time permits.

If You're Some Foreign Devil*

You don't need to do anything - compulsory voting is for enrolled Australian citizens, but its worth visiting an Australian polling booth with one of your friends - ideally one at a public school so you can get the full P&C BBQ and/or cake stall experience of civil society and compulsory voting (quite alien to most of the world).

Talk to an Aussie about their experience of voting, although it can be considered rude to ask who they voted for (it's a secret ballot after all).

Final tip - make sure you've got two discs with you in the voting booth, and if in doubt, flip them (ask the opposing captain to help with that).

*I mean this in the ironic sense - we like you guys! ;)