Did you know that the federal election is right around the corner? Yeah, it totes snuck up on us too, like Cady Heron being secretly really good at math, but with less algebra and more democracy.
If the whole preferential voting thingo has you feeling like you just got hit by a bus (metaphorically), don’t stress. You’re not alone.
We’re gonna break it down the only way we know how: through shoes and our fave Mean Girls references. Obvi.
But first thing’s first, what the heck is preferential voting?
If you’re anything like us, your first intro to voting was when the Spring Fling tiara got snapped in half. But turns out it’s not just ‘bout handing out tiaras *SHOCK HORROR*.
Preferential voting is a system that makes sure the winning candidate actually reflects what most people want. Sorta like how, once Cady Heron wore army pants and flip-flops, everyone started wearing army pants and flip-flops.
And the best part? You can’t waste your vote. Every choice you make still counts, even if your top pick doesn’t win. Now that’s so fetch!
Before we jump into it. We gotta do a solid vibe check on who’s running. Dig deep and don’t be shy, you’ve got every right to know what (and who) you’re voting for.
We totally get that this can be overwhelming, but our friends at Build A Ballot have created an online tool to give you all the election info you need to vote smart. This tool works by a series of questions; and based on the answers to those questions, you’re given a match score to all the candidates in your electorate, allowing you to know who to vote for and in what order.This quick and easy tool is going live on April 15.
When you vote, you’ll rank the candidates from your fave to your least fave, sorta like your Burn Book but, you know…the opposite.
We’d suggest ranking them based on who actually aligns with your values. Let's check how it’s actually done.
Let’s say you live by the water, love letting your toes breathe, and need a lil’ arch support—you’d rank The BFF as your number one pick.
Or let’s say you're going on a six-week trip to Europe (hello 20,000 steps a day). You might rank the OG as your number one pick (although this one's a close call).
We know what you’re thinking: What if no shoe gets over 50%?! WTF happens now?
As The Sneaky Jane got the least amount of votes it's been toed out, so everyone that voted for The Sneaky Jane now has their votes moved to their next fave.
Once a candidate gets over 50% they officially get crowned prom queen (win the election).
That’s why preferential voting matters. Even if your first pick doesn’t win, your vote still helps decide who comes out on top.
So you go Glen Coco into this election season armed and ready to conquer the voting booth.
Love Team TWOOBS & Build A Ballot xx
