Voting changes voted down

City of Melbourne postal voting electoral system will remain after the Future Melbourne Committee last month narrowly voted against changing it.

At the November meeting the proposed change was put forward by Cr Brian Shanahan, suggesting attendance voting as well as postal voting would further engage local residents in the electoral process and align the voting system to that of both state and federal spheres of government.

Cr Shanahan and all speakers agreed it would be ideal for every newly-elected council to debate this issue at the start of its term.

The vote was split five to four – showing the issue was worth talking about, and that many thought it was time for change.

Issues that rose from the discussion around electoral reform included:

It was difficult for some aspiring candidates to get their names out there via letterbox drops.
Many questioned the value or point of changing the system.

The possibility of electoral fraud under the current system.

Ways to engage the public more in the electoral process.

Allowing all eligible voters an opportunity to vote.

In other council news, a draft open space strategy document was opened for public consultation from November 14.

Those wanting a say on the issue of open space within the City of Melbourne (a huge issue for debate among Southbankers) are encouraged to have their say.

The public consultation ends on February 27, 2012.